In the wake of the highly covered disappearance of Joslin Smith (6) in Saldanha Bay, it is essential to raise awareness about reporting missing loved ones promptly. 

Contrary to common misconceptions, there is no waiting period to report a missing person to the police. 

The faster a case is reported, the faster action can be taken. This is especially true in cases of missing children. 

According to Missing Children South Africa, a child goes missing every five hours in South Africa, according to figures released by the South African Police Service Missing Persons Bureau. 

“This adds up to a total of 1 697 children. According to Missing Children South Africa’s statistics, 77% of children are found. Sadly, this still leaves us with at least 23% of the children not being located. Trafficking in children is a global problem affecting large numbers of children.” 

Missing Children South Africa is is an organisation that assists the authorities when a child goes missing in South Africa, for any reason whatsoever.

The latest crime stats released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) show kidnappings increased from October to December, especially in Gauteng. 

A total of 77 kidnappings were reported in Gauteng, while 138 were reported overall in South Africa. 

What should you do when you have a missing loved one? 

When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfill our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
• If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.

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