What to do when a child goes missing
The police want to inform the community on the procedure to follow when a child goes missing
POLOKWANE – Residents were recently shocked to learn of the disappearance of a teenage boy, which ended tragically.
With this in mind, the police want to inform the community on the procedure to follow when a child goes missing.
Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) has updated its website to give parents the best possible assistance when a child goes missing.
These are some of steps to follow when a child has gone missing:
1. Do not wait 24 hours before opening a missing person’s report.
2. Complete the SAPS 55 form at the nearest police station with all the information needed.
3. Contact MCSA on 072 647 7464 to spread the word and help in the location of the missing child.
4. Make note of the following very important information:
• Name of the missing child.
• Age of the child.
• Situations surrounding the missing child.
• The case number of the police station.
• Police details including the name of the police official that assisted you.
• The most recent photo of the missing child.
• Contact number of the person to be called once the child has been found.
It has happened in the past that people made use of the MCSA site, but did not update the site when the child was found. The police ask that the website be updated when the child has been found.
