How to Report a Missing Person

Description

This service is available to the public to report when a person is missing. Any person can be reported as missing as soon as the reporter or “loved one” thinks that something out of the ordinary has happened to him/her.

There is NO WAITING PERIOD to report a person as missing. If reporters are told otherwise at their local police station, they must demand to speak to the next senior officer, and keep on doing so until they receive the necessary service.

For more information, go to South African Police Service
http://www.missingkids.co.za/Search.htm

Steps to follow

The family or loved ones of a missing person will be the first to realize that the person would have contacted them if he/she had a change of plans concerning their appointments, regular routine etc. This means that they will be the first to suspect that something is wrong.

The family or loved ones will obviously start phoning the missing person’s mobile phone, friends or other places frequented by the missing person. If they have no luck in tracing the missing person in this way, they must immediately seek the help of the South African Police Service.

The only thing needed to report someone as missing, is the basic information on the missing person and, preferably, the most recent photograph of the person.

Once at the Client Service center, a SAPS 55(A) form will be completed and the reporter will be required to sign an indemnity form, which safeguards the SAPS from “hoax” reports.

Reporting found persons must be cancelled by personally notifying the police station where the person was reported as missing of his/her return, or by the investigation official investigating the missing person’s case. A SAPS 92 is used to effect the cancellation on the relevant Circulation System.

Legal framework

South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995)

Service Standards

A missing person can be reported almost immediately at any police station, not necessarily at the police station in the area in which it is suspected the person went missing from.

Cost

This service is free

Forms to complete

These forms must be completed and taken to the nearest police station to officially make a report or cancel a report about a missing person.

Reporting a person missing (SAPS 55(a))

Cancellation on circulation system at the missing persons bureau (SAPS 92)

Contact details

back to top