Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives have today, Thursday 6 November commenced a search for the remains of missing Mount Gambier woman Margaret Bernie in the South-East of the state.
Margaret Burnie, who was 34 when she disappeared, was last seen at her home address in Mount Gambier on 23 January 1988.
Her family became concerned for her safety and welfare when she could not be found and failed to contact them for several weeks. Margaret was reported missing by her sister on 10 February 1988.
Police believe Margaret has been murdered.
The search, with the assistance of local police, STAR Group and State Emergency Service volunteers will focus on a property on Burnda Road, Compton.
The property, located several kilometres west of Mt Gambier, is about one sqkm in size. The search is expected to last for two days.
Major Crime Investigation Branch Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said today's search for the remains of Margaret follows an ongoing review of the cold case and assessment of all available evidence.
"Detectives have maintained close contact with members of Margaret's family and they are supportive of the efforts of police to locate Margaret,'' he said.
"It is a tragedy that Margaret's family have spent the last 37 years without answers.
"Major Crime Detectives continue to actively investigate all cold case crimes to provide families with the answers they are seeking and bring those responsible to justice."
Detective Superintendent Fielke said it is likely there are individuals in the Mount Gambier and South-East community who have knowledge of what happened to Margaret.
"We would encourage those people to come forward and speak with police,'' he said.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/
