Police have released vision of an extensive search and rescue operation for missing 74-year-old woman Kate Mandala, as the operation enters its twelfth day.
Kate was last seen on Friday December 30 when she wandered away from the family home in Augustine Heights.
A search operation was immediately launched, and has been ongoing ever since, utilising assets including police on foot, horseback, ATV, trail bikes, mountain bikes along with SES and drones.
More than 1100 homes have been doorknocked in the area as part of the operation.
Search crews located Kate’s footwear (black slides) at Spring Mountain on New Year’s Day, with extensive land searches conducted in the area failing to locate any further sign of Kate.
Police have played over loud speakers a message for Kate in her native language, a Malawian language, as she speaks limited English.
Police and family hold concerns for Kate’s welfare as she has limited knowledge of the area, as she only recently arrived in Australia, and has a medical condition which may cause her to be disoriented.
Kate is fit for her age and has the capacity to walk large distances and could have travelled out of the Augustine Heights and Spring Mountain areas into the surrounding suburbs.
Kate may enter houses and properties to seek refuge.
Police continue to urge residents and visitors in the Spring Mountain, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, Augustine Heights and Brookwater areas to thoroughly check their properties.
Kate, has a dark complexion, slim build and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, a long multicoloured wrap skirt and a black sun hat.
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts should immediately contact Triple Zero (000).
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2202230280
Earlier media releases:
Update 3: https://mypolice.page.link/fGKD
Update 2: https://mypolice.page.link/DLcu
Update 1: https://mypolice.page.link/qahR
Missing woman, Augustine Heights: https://mypolice.page.link/Chjg
