Each year great numbers of Batswana are reported missing. Most return safely after a short period. Others, however, do not. Causes are often associated with mental illness of some victims that also include young people who visit their friends and associates without informing their families or relatives. This phenomenon worries affected individuals and communities.

Police records indicate that a total of 1570 people went missing during 2009 and January to July 2010. A total of 44 missing persons were found dead, 642 found alive and 93 still missing. Majority of missing persons are females (823 females compared to 747 males), mostly affected being persons of ages between 16-30 years.

Affected family members and friends are however asked to immediately report incidents of missing persons to the police and should also provide accurate physical descriptions such as height, weight, hair color, eye color, tattoos, list of friends and clothing worn at the time of disappearance to facilitate speedy investigations of such cases.

The table below shows details to statistics of missing persons reported to the Botswana Police Service during 2009 and 2010 (Jan-July 14)