Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) is urging members of the public to report missing persons at their nearest police station immediately, stressing that there is no 24-hour waiting period before a missing person can be reported.

The call comes amid growing concern following the discovery of seven bodies within a short period in Kempton Park, Kwa Thema and Tembisa, highlighting the urgent need for families and communities to act without delay whenever a person disappears or cannot be located.

“Every missing person must be treated seriously. Whether the person is a child, woman, man or elderly person, early reporting can be critical to ensuring that the necessary investigative and search processes begin as soon as possible,” said MISA media liaison officer Priya Ranchod.

ALSO READ: Diepkloof family searches for missing Tebogo Ramapya

Ranchod strongly encourages families not to wait until the following day, 24 hours or any other period before approaching the South African Police Service.

A missing person must be reported at the nearest police station as soon as there is reasonable concern that the person is missing.

“SAPS has confirmed that there is no waiting period for reporting a missing person, and we at MISA advise families to report the matter immediately. Families should provide a recent photograph, details of where the person was last seen, what they were wearing, their physical description and any other information that may assist investigators.”

ALSO READ: Diepkloof police seek public help in finding missing Tebogo Rampja

She added that families are urged to obtain the details of the investigating officer and remain in contact with the officer throughout the investigation. Any new information concerning the missing person should be communicated to the investigating officer without delay.

“The discovery of seven bodies in a short space of time serves as a painful reminder that time can be critical in missing person cases and that communities cannot afford to assume that a person will simply return home”

“We call upon the SAPS to continue prioritising missing person investigations, strengthening cooperation between police units, search and rescue teams, forensic services, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders.”

Members of the public are further reminded not to rely solely on social media posts when someone disappears. While social media can assist in circulating a missing person appeal, an official report must be made at a police station so that the case can be formally recorded and investigated.

“If a missing person is located or returns home safely, the family must inform the investigating officer immediately so that the missing person report can be updated and the necessary procedures followed.”

MISA extends sympathy to every family currently searching for a loved one and calls for continued urgency, accountability and cooperation in ensuring that missing persons are not forgotten.