Police search for missing woman in ‘baffling’ disappearance

POLICE across two states are continuing their search for a woman whose car was found crashed in Wycheproof.

Colleen South was last seen at Renown Park, Adelaide, on July 1 driving a silver Hyundai Getz.

Before she was reported missing, the 58-year-old was captured on CCTV at Liquorland, St Agnes, on July 2.

Police believe shortly after, Ms South drove to rural northern Victoria, and was seen by a witness in the town of Ninyeunook between 3pm and 3.30pm on July 3.

According to police, a farmer in the Wycheproof area saw Ms South's car, which he assumed was abandoned, around 4pm the same day. The car, which had pulled off the road and was parked under a tree, was reported to police.

On July 5, the farmer went back to inspect the car and located belongings, believed to be Ms South's, placed on the ground not far from the vehicle.

It was also noted that the vehicle had crashed into a ditch and sustained some damage, with the front airbags deployed.

A journal found along with other belongings near the car had the words "help me please" written on its last page.

Victoria Police Inspector Gerry de Vries said a search in the area last week did not find any more evidence or an explanation of where Ms South was headed.

"We've scoured that area," he told ABC radio.

"We've had horses, our Air Wing, dog squad, a number of police out on foot and assistance from the SES and we haven't been able to find any evidence other than what's in the immediate vicinity of that car."

He said Ms South's family had told him she was a friendly person.

"She's a very sociable person around other people, so it may well be that she's made friends with somebody and she's left that location and that's the thing that is baffling because there's nothing," Insp de Vries said.

South Australia Police have been working with Victoria Police to located Ms South and believe she travelled on her own to rural Victoria.

Police said they believe no other person is involved in her disappearance.

Ms South is described as 154cm tall with a heavy build, green eyes and brown hair.

She was last seen wearing blue jeans, black and white striped shirt.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.