Crime activist goes beyond comfort zone to secure missing persons

DID you know that there is no waiting period to report a missing person? In fact, the longer you take to file a case increases the chances of prolonging the find.

“The delays gives one a setback,” said crime activist and forensic consultant, Dawn Gounden.

“Other challenges are unidentified deceased victims. Often when a person is found, but there were no cases of a missing person opened or locating a family, which becomes a daunting task. Most times, only a DNA test can prove the identity of a missing person,” she added.

The fact that there are no manuals to prepare anyone for a traumatic period in their life poses another difficulty on the job for Dawn.

The Montclair resident’s work for the past few years involves dealing with missing persons and human trafficking.

“It’s through my mentors that I have become well-versed and learned in locating missing persons and victims of trafficking.”

Using her own resources and often putting aside her personal affairs, she said the rewards of her activism far outweighed the cons.

“Knowing that a family and victim gets closure, in some cases justice prevails, especially with trafficking cases. I never give up trying to find a missing person.”

“I try to go beyond my comfort zone, together with colleagues and SAPS, to look everywhere possible to find the missing person. Also, when an unknown deceased are identified, these are the most rewarding emotions for me,” she said.

To speed the process up when filing a report, she advised that family and friends must be honest with the information they provide and be patient as it is often challenging especially when a minor is involved.

“They must provide factual information, especially regarding witnesses, relevant information, together with a recent photograph that is not photoshopped.”

“They should also file a SAPS 55A missing person’s report at their nearest police station. They will then receive an OB number and later a case number and thereafter I will assist with a flyer that can aid in the search for the missing person,” she said.

“Children, who often leave home on their own accord, can become victims of trafficking.”

“Parents should always know the whereabouts of their minor children and should have access to information on their cellphones as children are groomed via social media by pedophiles. It is the duty of every parent or guardian to protect their child from anyone who tries to exploit their children.”

Dawn is currently doing a course offered by Harvard University based on child protection and children’s rights and the exploitation of children. She works pro bono and can be reached on 074-712-5855.

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