Cape Town - Missing persons organisations and police have asked the public to remain vigilant as an apparent increase in kidnapping, attempted kidnappings and missing person alerts have occurred in recent weeks.
SAPS spokesperson Andrè Traut said while there were no comparative figures, cases were prioritised and dealt with sensitively.
Missing Children SA's national coordinator, Bianca van Aswegen said citizens should not wait to report missing people.
“We have seen an increase in kidnappings of different kinds and human trafficking that is increasing in South Africa.
“We ask the people be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
“Also to please not wait before opening a missing persons case as there is no waiting period, the quicker the case is opened the quicker action can be taken.”
Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCPMU) founder, Candice van der Rheede, said missing persons organisations got involved with most cases when there was still little information available “that send the world into a panic”.
“People need to learn to tell at least one person where they are at all times.
“We also need for our communities to be extra vigilant when it comes to suspicious vehicles driving around in our areas.
“Take down license plate numbers and get proper descriptions. Never leave children unattended and always walk in groups.
“We just need our communities to be on the lookout and make as much notes of suspicious vehicles or people as possible so that when it is reported to police, they know what to look out for,” said Van der Rheede.
Meanwhile the search for missing Manenberg mother, Shireen Essop, is still ongoing after she was last seen on May 23 while driving home in a white Toyota along Weltevreden Road near Philippi.
The vehicle had been traced and found abandoned, with no sign of Essop.
She was last seen wearing black pants and a mustard-coloured top.
Traut said while Essop is yet to be found the investigation remained ongoing.
“Due to a moratorium on crime statistics, comparative figures cannot be disclosed.
“Missing persons and kidnappings are investigated with the necessary priority and sensitivity that are afforded to serious cases and every endeavour is made to reunite the victim with his or her family.
“It is on this basis that the finer aspects of these cases cannot be shared on an open platform. This office is not in a position to label an area as a specific hotspot for kidnappings, as this crime has no boarders. Vigilance is possibly the best defense from becoming a victim of any crime,” said Traut.
If you have any crime-related information, contact CrimeStop anonymously on 08600 10111.
Cape Times