When a Family Member Goes Missing

If you are in danger right now or someone may be hurt: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. You do not have to wait 24 hours to report a missing person. Go to your nearest police station now.

When someone you love does not come home, fear takes over fast. You might be telling yourself you are overreacting. You are not. The first hours matter, so it is right to act now.

What is happening

In South Africa, there is no waiting period before you can report someone missing. The idea that you must wait 24 hours is a myth. Go to any police station and report it. The police should take the report, give you a case or reference number and start the search.

Bring a recent, clear photo, the person's full name, ID number, age, height, what they were wearing, where they were last seen, and who they were with. Tell the police about any illness, medicine, disability, dementia, or recent worry or low mood. This helps them understand how urgent it is.

Missing children must be reported immediately. If someone is in danger, such as a person with dementia, a young child or someone who talked about ending their life, tell the police so they treat it as urgent.

Signs to notice

• Someone has not come home and is not answering their phone
• It is not like them to be out of contact
• They were upset, unwell or talked about ending their life
• A child, older person or someone with dementia is missing
• They were with someone you do not trust
• Their phone, bank card or social media has gone quiet

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call 10111 or 112.

• Could the person be hurt, in danger or with someone dangerous?
• Is the missing person a child?
• Are they older, ill or living with dementia?
• Did they talk about ending their life, or seem very low?
• Is it unlike them to be out of contact?
• Has no one heard from them for more than a few hours?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, call 10111 or 112 now. Otherwise, still report it if you are worried. Trust your instinct.
2-3 yes: Go to the police station now and report. Then contact friends and places they may be.
4 or more yes: This is urgent. Report now at the nearest police station, or call 10111 or 112. If a child is missing, also call Childline on 116 for support.

What you can do next

• Today: Report at a police station. Get the case or reference number and the investigating officer's name. Ask one family member to stay home in case they return.
• This week: Call hospitals and clinics nearby. Ask friends, workplaces and taxi routes. Share a photo on social media with care, and do not share your home address.
• This month: Keep in touch with the investigating officer. Look after yourself and others at home. Waiting is exhausting, and counselling can help.
• Be careful of people who ask for money in exchange for information. Tell the police about any such messages.
• If the person returns, let the police know so the case can be closed.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - a quick set of questions that tells you how urgent your situation is and gives you the right number to call first.

When to get professional help

Waiting for news can bring panic, sleeplessness and guilt. Children at home may be very frightened. Get support for yourself early. If the person is found hurt or has died, grief and trauma support are important.
Who can help: emergency services, social worker, counsellor, psychologist

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): report a missing person at any police station. From a mobile, 112 also works. See saps.gov.za for missing persons information.
• Childline (116): if a child is missing or a child at home needs support.
• Missing Children South Africa: an NGO that helps families search for missing children.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): support while you wait.