SA Police combed through tons of shredded rubbish at a Lower Light waste facility today in a bid to locate evidence from a recent murder case.
The Operations manager of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, Detective Inspector Billy Thompson said the search was in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was located at a city property on Monday night.
He said investigators believe a bag, possibly containing clothing, a phone and other evidence had been disposed of in a bin, which was emptied and transported to a rubbish facility at Wingfield on Monday night.
As a result, about 40 tonnes of household waste was transported from Wingfield to a suitable, secure Integrated Waste Services (IWS) facility at Lower Light for a detailed search to be conducted.
A detailed search plan was put into practice today with particular consideration given to appropriate work health and safety issues.
"This was a challenging search," Inspector Thompson said. "We are grateful for the assistance of the team at this facility along with those from the SES who supported Major Crime Investigation Branch officers with the provision of resources at the site.
"The rubbish had been shredded so there were no guarantees that we would locate the evidence we were seeking, but in order to ensure we have followed all lines of inquiry we undertook this painstaking work today.
"As a result we have found a number of items that are of interest to us and those items will now undergo further forensic examination."
A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with the woman's murder on Tuesday 24 September. It is alleged she was murdered on or about Friday 20 September and her body concealed.
Anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au - you can remain anonymous.
