Peter MANABARU
Thursday 05-Apr-2007 (0855 hrs CST)
Missing man – Barunga
NT Police are concerned for the welfare of 67-year-old Peter Manabaru from the
Barunga Community who has not been seen within the Community since the evening
of Sunday 1 April.
There is serious concern for the man’s well being as he suffers from medical
conditions.
Extensive enquiries have been conducted with family and community members both
in Barunga and other communities by Maranboy police but the man has not been
located.
A search team consisting of police from Maranboy, Katherine, Emergency Services
members and workers from Barunga and Beswick will commence a ground search of
the area near the community this morning.
Friday 06-Apr-2007 (1450 hrs CST)
Missing Man - Barunga - (update 1)
NT Police and Emergency Services teams hold grave concern for the welfare of
missing man, 67-year-old Peter Manabaru from Barunga Community, who was last
seen on the evening of Sunday 1 April.
Police received the report on Wednesday and the subsequent search has involved
members from Maranboy, Katherine and Territory Response Section and volunteer
Emergency Services members from Darwin, Barunga and Beswick.
For the past two days search efforts have involved extensive line searches of
the surrounding area, helicopter searches and quad bikes have also been
utilized.
Acting Superintendent Steve Heyworth commends the efforts of over 60 local
residents who have volunteered in the ground search yesterday and today,
covering very rugged terrain.
“I would like to thank the local community for their support and assistance in
this search, and the efforts of all volunteers involved thus far,” Acting
Superintendent Heyworth said.
A brand new mobile police station recently allocated to Katherine has been sent
to Barunga to help in the coordination of the search.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007. 8:27am (AEST)
Police end search for missing Barunga man - ABC
The search for a man who has been missing for more than a week has ended with
police saying they have exhausted all possible avenues to find him.
Peter Manabaru, 67, was last seen in the Barunga community last Sunday, about 90
kilometres south-east of Katherine.
For the past six days officers have searched over 50 square kilometres of the
area by helicopter, motorcycle and foot.
Police say they now fear the worst for the man and are calling off the search.
Detectives have had reports of sightings at local burial sites and caves, tracks
and fence lines.
The missing man's relatives were consulted in calling off the search.
Tuesday 10-Apr-2007 (1731 hrs CST)
Missing man – Barunga – (update 2)
Police have re evaluated the search for missing man, 67-year-old Peter Manabaru
from Barunga Community, after almost six days of exhaustive searching.
The Territory Response Section will complete the final search pattern to the
north and west of Barunga Community this afternoon and have had close
consultation with the missing man’s family.
Over three and a half square kilometres including the Barunga Community and
surrounding areas has been covered in line searches on foot. In addition, 40
square kilometres has been covered by air and 12 square kilometres on
motorcycles and quad bikes. Searches have also been made of individual sites
including known burial sites and caves, tracks and fence lines.
“I am confident that we have explored every possibility that presented itself in
the search so far. At this stage, until new information comes to light, the
investigation will now continue in the hands of local police,” Acting
Superintendent Steve Heyworth said.
Local police will continue to follow up any leads for the missing man who was
last seen on Sunday, 1 April.
Anyone who may have seen Peter Manubaru or have information as to his
whereabouts is encouraged to call police on 131 444.