South African citizens are urged to report missing persons at their nearest police station immediately and not to wait for a 24-hour waiting period.

Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) announced this on Tuesday, amid growing concern following the discovery of eight bodies within a short period in Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema and Tembisa.

MISA urged 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,” MISA said.

MISA revealed that the SAPS has confirmed there is no 24-hour waiting period for reporting a person missing, contrary to what was initially believed.

“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.

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“A missing person must be reported at the nearest police station as soon as there is reasonable concern that the person is missing,” the organisation said.

MISA further urged families 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 organisation expressed its concern about the safety of vulnerable people.

“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,” MISA said.

MISA called on the SAPS to prioritise missing person investigations, strengthening cooperation between police units, search and rescue teams, forensic services, community organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

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“Families are also urged to report a missing person even when they are uncertain about what may have happened.

“It is better to report a person missing and allow the appropriate authorities to assess the circumstances than to delay reporting and potentially lose valuable time,” the organisation added.

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,” the organisation said.

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

“MISA extends its deepest 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,” MISA concluded.