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SAFETY TIPS: kidnappings and missing people

POSTED ON: December 1, 2022 IN by Admin
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In the first six months of 2022 an average of 1,143 kidnappings a month were reported to the police; this is double the monthly average of the 2021 period.

According to police statistics, in the first six months of 2022 an average of 1,143 kidnappings a month were reported to the police; this is double the monthly average of the 2021 period.

The number of missing and kidnapped adults and children in South Africa is alarming and with the festive season upon us, we could see an increase in these incidents.

It is important to note that kidnappers are not only targeting the rich and affluent, but they are also targeting people in lower-income communities. To date the three police stations in South Africa with the highest number of reported kidnappings are Vosloorus in Gauteng, followed by Kempton Park (also in Gauteng), and Delmas in Mpumalanga.

Here are some tips to follow should a loved one be kidnapped or go missing:

  • If you suspect that a loved one is missing report it to your nearest police station or contact the Bureau for Missing Persons as soon as possible; you do not need to wait 24 hours.
  • Take a recent photograph of the missing person with you to the police station so that it can be scanned into the National Bureau for Missing Persons database. This database is a Crime Stop project and police all over the country use it.
  • Give any information that might help to identify the person, such as their age, height, hair colour, eye colour, and any identifying marks such as scars or tattoos. You may be asked to fill in forms giving all this information.
  • A detective will be assigned to the case. You should make sure that you have the name and contact details of the detective and keep in contact with them.
  • You should give that detective any new information about the missing person that you get after you have reported the case.
  • Remember to inform the police should the missing person be found.

BLSA National Project Manager Roelof Viljoen shares some tips to follow should a loved one be kidnapped or go missing:

 

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