PROJECT: NATIONAL BUREAU FOR MISSING PERSONS DATABASE IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Isabel Spies
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
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In South Africa, the National Bureau for Missing Persons (NBMP) serves as the primary database for tracking missing persons. This resource, managed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), is used nationwide to record and monitor cases of individuals reported missing.
Owing to privacy and legal considerations, the database is not publicly searchable, though various non-governmental organisations assist in disseminating information to aid in locating missing persons.
REPORTING AND ESTABLISHING THE STATUS OF A MISSING PERSON:
Missing persons are reported directly to SAPS, who then enter the details into the NBMP.
Citizens seeking to confirm the status of a missing person can use the following methods:
1. CONTACTING THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER:
Each missing person report is assigned to a detective.
Citizens are provided with the officer’s name, contact details, and the case reference number (CAS or OB number).
The investigating officer is responsible for updating families on any developments in the investigation.
2. CONTACTING THE POLICE STATION:
If the investigating officer is unavailable, the police station where the report was lodged can be contacted using the case reference number.
3. CONTACTING THE NATIONAL BUREAU FOR MISSING PERSONS:
General inquiries can be directed to 012 393 2002 or the Crime Stop hotline 08600 10111.
DATABASE OPERATION AND UPDATES:
The NBMP functions as a centralised, nationwide repository for missing persons cases:
CASE-LEVEL UPDATES:
When a report is lodged, the case details, including photographs and descriptions, are entered immediately.
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
There is no waiting period to report a missing person.
Cases are opened and investigated without delay.
CASE RESOLUTION UPDATES:
Once a missing person is located, the investigating officer completes SAPS Form 92, ensuring the case is removed from the active system.
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW:
Despite the operational efficiency of the NBMP, there is limited public access to comprehensive national statistics.
SAPS has not released aggregated data on missing persons since 2013, prompting concern from non-profit organisations and parliamentary committees.
Reliable statistics are essential for understanding trends and allocating resources effectively.
KEY OFFICIAL DATA:
Total Missing Persons Reported (1995–March 2024): ~38,322 cases nationwide.
Recoveries (Since 2020): Over 20,000 missing persons successfully located.
Adults: 15,005
Children (under 18): 2,963 (1,919 female; 967 male)
Fatalities: 3,099 bodies recovered, mainly due to drowning.
Recent Annual Figures: In the past financial year, 4,941 cases were reported, with 2,437 resolved.
MISSING CHILDREN STATISTICS:
An average of 1,697 children are reported missing annually, equating to one child approximately every five hours.
Recovery Rate: 77% found, leaving 23% unaccounted for, many of whom are potentially victims of trafficking or violence.
From September 2023 to February 2024, 348 children were reported missing; 207 were found or returned voluntarily.
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MISSING PERSONS AND KIDNAPPING:
Kidnapping is recorded separately in quarterly SAPS crime statistics.
Although related, kidnappings have distinct investigative procedures and have increased significantly in recent years.
Authorities stress that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
Delays can hinder investigations and reduce the likelihood of locating the individual safely.
Citizens reporting a missing person should provide:
A recent photograph.
Last known location and time seen.
Description of clothing and identifying features (scars, tattoos, etc.).
Investigating the officer’s contact details and SAPS case number.
Specialised Security Services (SSS) has extensive experience in assisting families with missing persons cases.
Upon receiving a report, SSS immediately collects all relevant information and coordinates efforts for public awareness,
while working closely with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies.
SSS operates a dedicated specialist unit that focuses exclusively on missing persons investigations.
This proactive approach has resulted in numerous successful recoveries and reunifications.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
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