Our Methodology

Our Approach

UCS Africa documents and reviews the public record. We do not investigate crimes or determine responsibility.

Our work focuses on organising available information, checking its sources and identifying matters that remain unclear.

We distinguish between what is documented, what has been reported and what has not been independently verified.

1. Source Verification

We prioritise official SAPS records and communications. Other published sources are reviewed separately, with their origins identified and any differences clearly documented.

For missing-person records, our source-review order is:

1. SAPS Missing Persons records

2. Official SAPS media releases and communications

3. Other published reports, with their sources identified

Information that cannot be verified is clearly marked as such.

2. Timelines and Documentation

Where sufficient information exists, we prepare chronological summaries showing reported events and their dates.

We distinguish between the date an event reportedly occurred and the date information about it was published.

3. Identifying Information Gaps

Our reviews may identify:

• Missing or conflicting dates

• Differences between published accounts

• Unclear or changing case statuses

• Information that is absent from available records

• Questions that require clarification by the relevant authorities

An information gap is not evidence of wrongdoing.

4. Missing-Person Status and Corrections

A person's reported disappearance, current status and investigative status are separate matters.

We do not assume that a person remains missing simply because an older notice is still publicly available.

Where an authoritative source confirms a change in status, UCS reviews and updates the relevant documentation. Where sources conflict or confirmation is unavailable, the discrepancy remains clearly identified.

5. Safeguarding and Privacy

We take particular care when information concerns children and other vulnerable people.

Our public documentation avoids unnecessary personal details, confidential records and information that could increase risk to affected individuals.

We do not invite families to submit sensitive case documents through public comments or ordinary website forms.

6. Professional Boundaries

UCS does not replace SAPS, the courts, registered private investigators or other appropriately authorised professionals.

We do not determine whether an offence occurred, identify a perpetrator or infer criminal linkage merely because cases share dates, locations or other characteristics.

Our role is to document what available information supports and identify what remains unresolved.

7. Corrections and Clarifications

We welcome corrections supported by identifiable, reliable sources.

To request a review of published information, contact:

verification@ucsafrica.co.za

Please provide a general description of the correction requested. Do not send confidential records or children's personal information without prior instructions.