Emergency response
When a person goes missing we offer an emergency response service, so families can report the person straight away and know exactly what to do next.
Every minute counts
Do not wait 24 hours.
If a child is missing, report it immediately. There is no waiting period in South African law. Missing Children South Africa works alongside the SAPS to get the search moving straight away, and our service is completely free.
- 2007
- Supporting families and the SAPS since March 2007
- 77%
- of children reported to us are found
- Free
- Our service costs families nothing, always
77%
of children reported to MCSA are found and come home
The shocking reality
Children go missing in South Africa every single day.
According to the last figures released by the SAPS Missing Persons Bureau, a child goes missing every five hours in South Africa.
Our own statistics show that 77% of children reported to us are found. That still leaves at least 23% who are never found, are trafficked, or are found deceased. Children are also among the most vulnerable victims of gender-based violence.
The reality is shocking and undeniable, and we can no longer be innocent bystanders to it. It can happen to any family.
What we do
Four things we do the moment someone goes missing.
Missing Children South Africa is a Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation that assists the South African Police Service when a person goes missing, for any reason whatsoever.
Working with SAPS
We maintain a close working relationship with the South African Police Service, offering them the support they need to locate missing persons.
Creating awareness
Through our social media networks and other channels we spread mass awareness, so communities can help locate the missing person too.
Ongoing support
Being there for families when a loved one goes missing. In that situation, families need all the support they can get, for as long as they need it.
If it happens to you
Three steps. Start the first one now.
The single most damaging myth about missing persons in South Africa is that you must wait 24 hours before reporting. You must not. Report immediately.
1
Report to the SAPS first
Complete a SAPS 55(A) form at your nearest police station. This gives the police permission to distribute your child's photograph and details, and gives you an official case number.
2
Send us your case details
Complete our form with your stamped SAPS case number. By law, MCSA cannot process a request without one.
3
Keep us updated
Keep Missing Children South Africa posted on any and all progress, including, most importantly, when your loved one is found safe.
How you can help
Our service is free. It is not free to run.
Every rand donated goes towards the helpline, the awareness network and the safety education that keeps children out of danger in the first place. MCSA is a registered NPO and an approved PBO, and all donations are tax deductible.
Adopt a salary
For individuals or companies who want to be more intimately involved, you can adopt the salary of a team member who keeps the helpline running.
Learn moreWoolworths MyDifference
Choose Missing Children South Africa as your cause in the Woolworths app and a share of your spend comes to us, at no cost to you.
How it worksSponsor a place of learning
Put our ECD (early childhood development) colouring and story books, which teach safety tips, into the hands of pre-schoolers.
Get involved
Prevention
The best case we handle is the one that never happens.
Free safety resources for every South African family. Print them, share them, and work through them with your children.
My Child's ID Kit
An interim identity record to complete and keep safely for each of your children.
Open resourceTips for parents
Keeping your children safe is priority number one. Practical habits that genuinely reduce risk.
Open resourceTips for children
Children are young and naive. Simple rules they can remember and use when it matters.
Open resourceHoliday tips
Holidays change your routine, and your risks. Stay vigilant while you are away from home.
Open resourceIt takes a village.
Whether you give, share a flyer, or simply teach one child what to do, you make South Africa a safer place. Join the fight to bring children home safely.