A 52-year-old man initially charged with kidnapping in relation to Yanfei
Bao’s disappearance will now face an additional charge of murder.

He is due to appear in the High Court at Christchurch today.

Police investigating Ms Bao’s disappearance are appealing for information from the public in relation to the tracksuit, the top, (pictured above) and the spade.

Police believe the items have been discarded in the Christchurch area some
time from approximately midday on Wednesday 19 July, to about 5pm Saturday 22
July.

The spade is brand new, which is pictured below.

Police’s Specialist Search Group will today be back in farmland in Greenpark, south of Christchurch, conducting further searches as part of the investigation.

Police say they remain committed to locating Ms Bao and returning her to her family.

Anyone that saw someone acting in an unusual manner or can assist Police in locating the whereabouts of the tracksuit, the top, and spade, is asked to contact Police.

Information can be given to Police via 105, either by calling or going online
to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘Update Report’.

Please reference file number 230720/5911.