What to do when a loved one goes missing
These are steps to follow when reporting a missing person.
When a loved one goes missing one often feels confused without knowing what to do.
Private investigating specialist, Mike Bolhuis, who works with missing person investigations, gave steps to follow when you believe someone is missing.
“Do not waste any time, report it immediately to the authorities,” he said.
“It is not a requirement to wait 24 hours. Time will be of the essence in finding such a person.
“It is concerning to know that a child goes missing every five hours in our country.”
When reporting a missing person, a description of the circumstances when the person went missing is important.
Go to your local police station and complete an SAPS 55(A)-form.
“This form safeguards the SAPS from fake reports and indemnifies them to distribute the photograph and corresponding information about the missing person,” he said.
“Ensure you take the details of the investigating officer such as his or her name and surname and personal contact number.
“Take the missing persons’ file number or case number.”
Bolhuis advised that contact be made with the Bureau for Missing Persons to make the exact same report and give all the relevant details to them as well.
A recent photograph of the missing person should be scanned into the national database.
“This database is a crime stop project,” he said.
“Keep in contact with the detectives and caseworkers and update them should you receive any information regarding the missing person.”
Bolhuis warned families using social media to locate their loved ones.
“Families of missing persons will also have to distinguish between facts and fake news,” he said.
“Fake news is purposefully crafted, sensational, emotionally charged, misleading or completely fabricated information.”
He said social media represented either a unique solution in finding a missing person, or a platform for misinformation or disinformation.
“Misinformation is when false information is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead. Disinformation is deliberately misleading or biased information.
“It is important to thoroughly assess each comment placed [on social media].”
He gave more guidelines on information required when reporting a missing person.
The more information you have, the better. Recent photographs, face and full body if possible.
The following details will be needed:
– Age.
– Date of birth/ID number/passport number.
– Colour of hair.
– Colour of eyes.
– Height.
– Weight.
– Identifying markings: tattoos/scars/freckles.
– Contact number(s) of the missing person.
– Physical address of his/her residence.
– Place and address where the person was last seen.
– Clothing the missing person was wearing when last seen.
– Motor vehicle details: type of car, colour, registration number.
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