Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) records between 60 and 90 missing persons cases each month.

Bianca Van Aswegan from MCSA advises that missing person reports should be made immediately. She explained that within 48 hours, an individual could be trafficked out of the country, highlighting the urgency of early reporting.

Van Aswegan also stressed that waiting 24 hours before reporting is unnecessary.

“The faster a case is reported, the faster authorities can act, especially when children are involved, as the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial. With the rise in human trafficking, and South Africa identified as a trafficking hub by the U.S. Department of State, timely action is more important than ever,” she stated.

Here is what you should 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:

THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON!

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, the clothes they wore, and 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 for distributing 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.

Also read: Don’t suffer in silence: How Pretoria teens can get help for suicidal thoughts

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