Don’t wait 24 hours to report a missing person-Ronelle Snyders

[Nat Quinn]

Police said there was no need to wait 24 hours to report a missing person; the faster it is reported, the better.

Police are still searching for the missing Moot teenager, Isielle Leslie, 17, who was last seen in July 2024.

Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) records between 60 and 90 missing persons cases each month.

Bianca Van Aswegan of MCSA advises that missing persons should be reported immediately. She explained that an individual can be trafficked out of the country within 48 hours, underscoring the urgency of early reporting.

Van Aswegan also stressed that it is unnecessary to wait 24 hours before reporting.

“The faster a case is reported, the faster authorities can act, especially when children are involved, as the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial. With the increase in human trafficking, and South Africa identified by the U.S. Department of State as a trafficking center, timely action is more important than ever,” she said.

Here’s what you should do when you have a missing loved one:

When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfil our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is necessary to take action and begin the investigation of a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO GUESS A MISSING PERSON!

Report a missing person to your nearest police station immediately.

Make a recent photo of the missing person, if possible.
Provide a full description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, the clothing they wore, and any information that might help the investigating officer.
Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form protects the SAPS from fake news reports and indemnifies the SAPS for the dissemination of the photograph and information of the missing person.
Get the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that may become available.
If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, notify the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report may be removed from the circulation system.

 

source:Don’t wait 24 hours to report a missing person – People’s Power News (volkskrag.co.za)

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