What to do when a child goes missing: MCSA urges immediate action

eNCA

30-04-2025

JOHANNESBURG - As the search for Mojalefa Savhuli continues in Roodepoort, Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) is urging the public to act quickly and responsibly when a child goes missing.
"We are assisting the police in following up on any leads that come in and doing everything possible to make sure Mojalefa is found safely and reunited with his family," said Bianca van Aswegen from MCSA.
'We urge the media and public to share Mojalefa's flyer to help bring him home,' the spokesperson adds.
Van Aswegen said there is absolutely no waiting period to report a child missing
She said the first 24 to 48 hours are critical to a successful recovery.
"The quicker a case gets reported, the quicker action can be taken," Van Aswegen said.
Parents or caregivers should immediately open a missing persons case at their nearest police station and contact MCSA for support.
What you'll need: Key information for the police
When opening a case, a SAPS 55 form is completed. The most important information to provide includes:
• Full name and age of the child
• Date and place last seen
• Circumstances around the disappearance
• Last known clothing
• Medical conditions
• Places the child may frequent
• A recent, clear photograph
This information also helps MCSA create a flyer that is quickly distributed online and to key partners.
What happens in the first 48 hours?
Once reported, police begin searching the child's last known location and follow any leads.
MCSA then publishes a digital flyer with verified information and contact details, helping raise awareness quickly through social media and media partners.
In many cases, special SAPS units are also brought in depending on the circumstances.
One of the biggest challenges in cases involving young children is their natural curiosity.
"The main challenge with young children is that they are left by themselves to play without adult supervision, and then we sit with a young child who has gone missing,' Van Aswegen said.
"Young children are also very vulnerable, and trust easily and therefore can easily fall victim to different types of crimes against children."
How communities can help
MCSA encourages community involvement, but with caution.
"It is of utmost importance that when neighbourhood groups or communities would like to assist with searches, they do so under the authority of SAPS," she said.
"It is wonderful that people get together to assist, but it is important that they do so with instruction and guidance from SAPS, especially if there might be a crime involved."
Protecting children: What parents can do
To help protect children from going missing:
• Never leave them unsupervised , even briefly.
• Download and complete an Interim ID Kit from www.missingchildren.org.za, which contains all vital information in case of emergency.
• Educate children about their full name, address, and how to ask for help.
• Monitor your child's use of social media, as many perpetrators groom children online.