Search and rescue operation for missing woman Kate Mandala enters fourth day as SES join

A family friend has shared her heartbreak over the disappearance of an elderly woman who went missing four days ago west of Brisbane as more than 100 volunteers join the search.

A family has shared their fears for a missing elderly woman, who disappeared four days ago, but are still “keeping hope” as the police search continues west of Brisbane.

Multiple police crews, including the Mounted Unit and PolAir, will be joined by 102 State Emergency Service volunteers in the search and rescue mission on Monday to find Augustine Heights woman Kata Mandala.

The 74-year-old wandered away from the family home about 6.40am on December 30.

Police are appealing for the community’s aid as the search for a missing Augustine Heights woman Kate Mandala woman enters its fourth day. Picture: Supplied/QPS

She was spotted on CCTV a few minutes later and was last seen around Spring Mountain between 9am and 10am the same morning.

Kate has only recently arrived in Queensland from South Africa, speaks limited English, and has a medical condition which may cause disorientation and confusion.

Family friend Milly Chicabwa said Kate had been staying in the area for the last two months to be with her two grandchildren for Christmas.

Ms Chicabwa said Kate had also recently lost her son and the visit had been a reprieve for her.

She said it was out of character for Kate to be walking out on her own.

Milly Chicabwa, family friend of missing 74-year-old Augustine Heights woman Kate Mandala. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Ms Chicabwa said her disappearance was “a little bit scary” for the family.

“Not knowing if she’s had food, she’s had water and being elderly as well,” she said.

She said the family are “all keeping hope” and were very grateful for the support of the community, police and SES in their efforts to locate Kate.

“People have been coming out all hours of the day with their kids, with their pets, with their dog,” Ms Chicabwa said.

“We are so proud to be a part of this community – the love we have been shown.”

Police are appealing for residents in Spring Mountain, Springfield Lakes, Augustine Heights and Brookwater to check their yards, garages and sheds for any sign of Kate.

Inspector Darren Green providing an update on the search for missing 74-year-old Augustine Heights woman Kate Mandala. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Inspector Darren Green said Kate may have trouble communicating if approached.

“We don’t think she’ll be of any risk to anyone but she may be withdrawn and fearful – just the language barrier and not understanding,” he said.

Ms Chicabwa also said trying to communicate with Kate in English might confuse her even more.

Inspector Green said locals could try to communicate with her if they see her but they should call police first.

He encouraged residents to keep an eye out for Kate and check their homes and CCTV.

“It’s still possible she’s moving around,” he said.

“Four days in, there is water around so she could still be quite mobile, she is relatively fit.”

Kate Mandala, 74, has been missing in Queensland's Spring Mountain area since December 30. Picture: Queensland Police.

Kate is believed to be wearing a white T-shirt, a long multi-coloured wrap skirt and a black sun hat.

Her black slide shoes were found in the Spring Mountain area by search crews on Sunday. She is believed to only be wearing blue/purple socks on her feet.

Police believe she may be travelling on foot or possibly using public transport to move around.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services are also using drones to search the areas.

Residents are being urged not to fly drones in the area as it interferes with police resources.

Anyone who may have seen Kate or has further information is asked to immediately contact police.

Originally published as Search and rescue operation for missing woman Kate Mandala enters fourth day as SES join