SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Investigate a missing persons case 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253981  Investigate a missing persons case 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Resolving of Crime 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of this unit standard is enable learners to demonstrate understanding of the structures in place related to the handling of missing person's cases. Learner will be able to describe the process of reporting missing persons, the duties of the investigator as well as the administrative processes regarding missing persons. This unit standard will enable learners to apply the guidelines for investigators in a given case study and demonstrating understanding of the legal framework which sets the parameters for the investigation of missing person's cases.

After completion of this organizational standard the employees will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the structures related to missing persons.
  • Explain the process of reporting missing persons.
  • Explain the duties of the investigator.
  • Explain the administrative processes regarding missing persons.
  • Apply the guidelines for investigators in a given case study.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where the term missing persons is used it also refer to missing, unknown (found) persons and unidentified bodies. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of the structures related to missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Bureau for Missing Persons is described in terms of its role, purpose, duties and responsibilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The structure of the Bureau for missing persons is graphically illustrated in relation to other bodies and roleplayers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of distribution of information is evaluated in relation to mandates of roleplayers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of the Bureau for missing persons is assessed in relation to the media. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the process of reporting missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Terminology used in cases related to missing persons are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for completing prescribed documentation is described in relation to reporting and archiving. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The level of support required from the Bureau for missing persons is evaluated by a case by case scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reasons for circulation and cancellation of unidentified bodies are described in terms of their influence on cases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reasons for investigating missing person cases are assessed in relation to reporting missing and unknown (found) persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Categories of people who must be circulated as soon as possible are evaluated for prioritizing purposes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the duties of the investigator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedure to be followed when a report has been received is explained in relation to its influence on the duties of the investigator. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedure refer to but are not limited to completion of official forms, completion of the acceptance of liability, need for photos, forwarding of documentation to Bureau of missing persons, circulation system and notification of investigation unit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The duties of the investigator after the official documentation is received are described in line with organizational prescripts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The duties refer to but are not limited to the checking of official forms, aspects regarding photo, acceptance of liability, documentation to Bureau of missing persons and if a crime is committed, crime committed against any person, action on missing persons, tracing techniques, finding a missing person, cancellation process, enquiry, case docket or case file handling, utilization of media.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of reporting of missing persons is explained in line with organizational prescripts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process refer to but is not limited to initial time of disappearance, opening of docket, official documentation, A1 statement, runaway children, circulation, over 18 and do not want a person to know about him/her, mentally challenged persons and role of welfare in bread winner disappearance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process of reporting found persons is explained in line with organizational prescripts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process refers to but is not limited to purpose of identifying the body, official documentation, role of Bureau of missing persons and fingerprints.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process of reporting unidentified bodies is explained in line with organizational prescripts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process refer to but is not limited to official documentation, circulation, taking of fingerprints, use of the media, verification of official documentation, role of the Bureau of missing persons, information found on the scene, property of the body and process in identifying the body.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the administrative processes regarding missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of official documentation and photos are described in terms of their influence on a missing person's case. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The circulation process is assessed in terms of its role. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of reporting persons who are no longer missing, is explained in terms of statistical purposes and case load distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The detaining of missing persons is described in line with organization prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process of administering an enquiry or case file is evaluated for effectiveness. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process refers to but is not limited to official documentation including acceptance of liability and photos, occurrence book, missing person register and cancellation.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply the guidelines for investigators in a given case study. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Aspects to be taken into account during the investigation are evaluated in terms of the investigation process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for applying the guidelines during the investigation is assessed within a given case study. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate understanding of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need for the legal prescripts is evaluated in terms of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose of the legal prescripts is assessed in terms of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The objectives of legal prescripts are evaluated in terms of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The phase regarding the reporting missing persons is assessed in terms of the legal framework on the investigation of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of the South African Police Service are identified in terms of the legal framework during the investigation process of missing persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role of victim support are identified in the investigation of missing persons. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual who wishes to be assessed against this unit standard (including assessment of RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. Assessors must be competent in the outcome of the Unit Standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the relevant ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Main aim of the Bureau for missing persons.
  • Duties and responsibilities of the Bureau for missing persons.
  • Structure of the Bureau for missing persons.
  • Process of distribution of information.
  • Role of the Bureau for missing persons in terms of the media.
  • Terms related to missing persons.
  • Completion of the form.
  • Level of support required from the Bureau for missing persons.
  • Reasons for circulation of unidentified bodies.
  • Reasons for investigating missing persons.
  • Categories of people.
  • Procedure to be followed when a report has been received.
  • Process of reporting of missing persons.
  • Process of reporting found persons.
  • Process of reporting unidentified bodies.
  • Role of the photo.
  • Role of the circulation process.
  • Importance of reporting persons who were missing but not longer missing.
  • Process in administer dockets.
  • Aspects to be taken into account during the investigation.
  • Need for applying the hints during the investigation.
  • First and second phase of circulation on the system: Persons.
  • Reason for the police dealing with missing persons.
  • Need for the national instruction.
  • Purpose of the national instruction.
  • Objectives of the national instruction.
  • Phase regarding the reporting missing persons.
  • Role of the station duty officer and standby detectives.
  • Role of victim support in the investigation of missing persons. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical thinking, have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • Must have well-developed subject matter expertise.
  • At least 5 years practical experience.
  • Must be a registered assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59989   National Certificate: Resolving of Crime  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 
    2. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD RUSTENBURG CAMPUS 
    3. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    4. BROOKLYN CITY COLLEGE (PTY) LTD - PRETORIA 
    5. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    6. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING POLOKWANE 
    7. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING PRETORIA 
    8. DECENTRALISED TRAINING DURBAN 
    9. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: EAST RAND 
    10. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: VAALRAND 
    11. JEPPE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND COMPUTER 
    12. SA POLOCE SERVICE 
    13. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    14. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    15. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    16. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    17. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT CENTRE PIETER 
    18. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE IN SERVICE TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION 
    19. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    20. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION NORTH WEST PROVINCE 
    21. STRATEGIC INVESTIGATIONS AND SEMINARS 
    22. Thembi Penelope Vilakazi 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.