Missing persons cases stretch police resources, parents urged to stay vigilant

Police are urging parents to closely monitor their children's movements, warning that the growing number of missing persons cases is placing increasing pressure on police resources and investigations.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said locating missing people required significant time and resources, and families could help by maintaining regular communication with their children and knowing where they were.

"They need to know where their children are," ACP Vusonilawe said.

"If they are visiting someone or going somewhere, they should let their parents know or make a phone call so their family knows they are safe."

He encouraged parents and guardians to keep track of their children's movements and remain actively involved in their lives.

"Compared to five or 10 years ago, things are different now," he said. "This is the time for parents and everyone responsible for children to stay close to them. Don't let just anyone influence or take advantage of them."

ACP Vusonilawe said the responsibility extended beyond parents, calling on communities and the media to support efforts to locate missing people and raise awareness about the issue.

Asked whether adults, including those aged 22 and over, were also at risk, he said missing persons cases involving young adults could contribute to broader crime concerns.

"Yes, that's true. It can indeed contribute to crime," he said.

He acknowledged the challenges police faced during investigations, saying gathering information on the whereabouts of missing people was often difficult.

"When we try to find information about where missing people might be, it's extremely difficult," he said. "We have to make many phone calls, and many of those calls go unanswered."

ACP Vusonilawe urged members of the public to treat missing persons reports seriously and provide information to police as early as possible.

"We must seriously investigate reports of missing persons. We need to begin searching as soon as information is received," he said. "Everyone has a role to play in helping locate missing people."

He said police would continue searching for those reported missing, even as many cases remained unresolved.

"We must continue searching for missing people immediately after receiving information. We should not stop sharing information, and we must keep searching until they are found," ACP Vusonilawe said.