WHEN a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the police to fulfill their mandate to serve and protect the country’s citizens.

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It is essential to take steps to start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. There is no waiting period before you can report a missing person. You need to report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

You can assist the police when reporting a missing person by taking the following steps:

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, the clothes that they were wearing and any other 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.

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