Missing toddler found in critical condition

A missing toddler was found in a critical condition in Etete near Shakaskraal on Wednesday morning.

THE TODDLER WAS REPORTED MISSING ON MONDAY AFTERNOON

According to IPSS Search and Rescue division, the 21-month-old baby was reported missing from a homestead in Etete near Shakaskraal on Monday at around 16:00.

“Search and rescue efforts were started but were unsuccessful. The search resumed early this morning with SAPS K9 Search and Rescue and . The toddler was located approximately one kilometer from his home, with the use of a thermal drone piloted by PACSys .” 

IPSS

THE TODDLER WAS FOUND IN A CRITICAL CONDITION

It furthermore said the toddler was found to be in a critical condition and is currently being stabilised by an IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support paramedic before he will be transported to an appropriate facility for further care.

“Thank you to SAPS K9 Search and Rescue and SAPS Umhlali for their assistance on the scene as well as to PACSys for the use of their thermal drone.” 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A MISSING LOVED ONE:

When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfill our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

• THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON!

Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
• If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.

Between 60 and 90 missing people cases are recorded per month by Missing Children South Africa (MCSA).

THERE IS NO WAITING PERIOD TO REPORT A CASE

Bianca Van Aswegan from Missing Children South Africa shared that people should report a missing person case as soon as possible. Van Aswegan explained that within 48-hours, there is a possibility that a person can be human trafficked to another country.

ALSO READ: Missing girl FOUND after being recognised on ‘Unsolved Mysteries’

MORE AND MORE MISSING PERSONS CASES ARE MAKING HEADLINES IN SA

She went on to explain that there is no need to wait for 24 hours to report a case. The faster a case is reported, the faster action can be taken, reports EWN. This is especially true in cases of missing children, she added.

ALSO READ: Police: Gqeberha mother STILL missing [UPDATE]

THE QUICKER THE CASE IS REPORTED THE QUICKER ACTION CAN BE TAKEN

“People still believe they need to wait 24hrs that does not exist. The quicker the case is reported the quicker action can be taken especially when it comes to children because the first 24hrs to 48hrs are crucial when a child goes missing. Especially with human trafficking, that has escalated in our country, and we have also been declared as a human trafficking hub by the US department of state,”

said Van Aswegan.