Police search bushland for body of missing Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt

Investigators believe they are close to finding the body of Kobie Parfitt, who vanished in April.

Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt was last seen in the Ballarat area during April and has not been seen since. Picture: Victoria Police

The hunt for the killer of Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt has shifted to bushland where police on Monday started searching for her body.

Detectives from the missing persons squad converged on Snake Valley, west of Ballarat, in the latest twist in her disappearance and suspected murder.

They were joined by specialist searchers.

An area along the Pittong-Snake Valley Road came under heavy scrutiny as the police operation took place in ­oppressive heat.

Investigators believe they are close to finding the body of Ms Parfitt, who vanished on April 28.

The 43-year-old mother was last seen alive at a rental house in Hickman Street, Ballarat, and police suspect she was murdered there.

Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt.

That property was the subject of a search warrant ­recently in which forensic ­experts made an exhaustive examination. It is believed part of the focus of the sweep was to look for traces of blood.

Results of that testing have not been made public.

Ms Parfitt’s bank accounts and phone have not been used since she was last seen.

Her life had fallen apart some years ago when she ­became involved with local criminals and heavy drug users, some of whom were players in the local ice scene.

Detective Inspector ­Andrew Stamper, of the missing persons squad, said police had recently picked up good leads.

He believed investigators were closing in on those ­responsible for Ms Parfitt’s death.

“We have returned to the area a number of times as part of this investigation and will continue to return each time we receive new information,” he said.

Inspector Stamper said he was convinced there were people in Ballarat who knew what had become of Ms Parfitt.

“We know she was last seen alive at a property in Hickman Street on April 28, however, we are still yet to locate her body,” Inspector Stamper said.

“Again, we’re asking anyone with information regarding Kobie’s disappearance or who knows who is responsible for her death to speak to police.”

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.