Community safety alert: Police share tips on missing persons cases
There is no waiting period to report a missing person.
As the festive season intensifies, and roads, malls and other public spaces experiencing increased traffic due to shopping, vacations and other leisure activities, the police urges citizens to remain safe and pay attention to what’s happening around, especially in crowded places.
The SAPS say with increased mobility and socialising, the risk of individuals going missing rises.
According to the SAPS website, when a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for police to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa.
It states that it is important to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person immediately. “There is no waiting period to report a missing person.”
You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:
– 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.
“Let us be vigilant and work collectively to keep families together and safe.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
