Police return to homestead where missing boy was last seen to drain large dam

Gus vanished after he was last seen playing outside Oak Park Station, located about 40km south of Yunta, on September 27.

No trace of him has been found despite extensive air and land searches over the past month.

Searchers will tomorrow drain a large 4.5-metre deep dam located about 600 metres from the homestead.

The dam was previously searched by divers in the early days of the search for Gus.

Draining the dam will allow for a “comprehensive visual search”, police said.

The search for Gus will resume following exhaustive ground and air searches around the homestead where he disappeared.

Task Force Horizon investigators used a drone to assess the remote terrain, however, it has not uncovered any evidence.

More aerial imaging extending 10 kilometres from the property is still under way.

Taskforce Horizon consists of 12 specialists who are analysing information and suggesting different areas to search.

Police paused their most recent ground search for Gus on October 17.

No trace of Gus was found during this latest search as hot weather hampered efforts.

It followed an initial 10-day search which involved police, military personnel, SES volunteers, trackers and neighbours.

Police said investigations have not uncovered any evidence of foul play.

Gus’ family continues to cooperate fully with investigators.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens previously no stone would be left unturned in the search for Gus.

“We are dedicated to making sure we do everything we possibly can to bring Gus back to his family,” Stevens said.