Increase in missing children's cases sparks widespread concern

JOHANNESBURG – An increase in missing children's cases is sparking widespread concern as more than 2,000 children were reported missing in the past three years in South Africa.

Of those, 1,252 were found and more than 700 are still missing, without a trace, since 2023, according to police.

Missing Children South Africa, which assists police in missing persons cases, said that while statistics provide valuable insights, they only offered a glimpse into the bigger picture.

A disturbing trend is emerging in the country as an increasing number of children are reported missing daily.

The organisation’s national coordinator, Bianca van Aswegen, said there were many more cases that go unreported.

"For instance, people living in rural areas that are unable to get to police stations, we've got people lacking trust within our police system that do not open these cases."

She added that among other reasons, increasing crime was a big contributor.

"We've also seen an escalation with kidnappings and that of human trafficking in our country."

One of the most high-profile missing children's cases in the country remains that of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who was last seen in February 2024. Her mother is among the prime suspects involved in her disappearance.