Children reported missing were found with friends and relatives – ACP Khan

Over the past few weeks, Police have recorded a number of missing children between the age of 14 to 17 years, and within a day or two they were found staying with friends or relatives, and were reunited with their families

Police Chief of Operation ACP Abdul Khan says this is concerning for two reasons.

He says firstly the issue of communication is not being stressed enough, and secondly the fact that the children are found with other friends or relatives, and that there was no attempts by adults in the other homes to reach out to the child's parents and inform or to ask their parents whether permission was granted for an extended stay

ACP Khan says they understand the situations are different and that a child may be going through something and has run away for a reason, however as adults, everyone should still do their part and ensure that they communicate with each other to be able to resolve whatever situation they may be facing.

ACP Khan says children may end up following the wrong crowd or get into situations that may be harmful to their lives and future, emphasizing the need for the close monitoring of children's activities during the school holidays.

He also says most children have started to enjoy their much needed school holiday break and police are again stressing the need for close supervision of their daily activities and whereabouts.

ACP Khan is pleading with parents and guardians to be alert to their child's activities, and in particular who they are spending their time with.