Photo: Abbey PalmerInvestigators have spent the day searching through the remains of a Western Southland property after it was burned almost entirely to the groundMissing man Dale Watene. Southland fire and police investigators were on the scene today following reports of a fire at the property on Clifden Gorge Rd, Eastern Bush about 1.45pm yesterday. It was reported yesterday there was a link between the owner of the house and missing man Dale Tama Watene (40), who was allegedly the owner’s employee. Mr Watene was reported missing from the Otautau area on April 17 and is yet to be found. A plea was posted on the Otautau Facebook page early on the morning of April 20 by friend Ben Philip, appealing for information.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 01, 2020 04:18 UTC