It was reported yesterday there was a link between the owner of the house and missing man Dale Tama Watene (40), who was allegedly the owner’s employee.
However, police were unable to confirm whether or not there was a link.
A police spokeswoman said today they were still “in the early stages’’ of the investigation.
Mr Watene was reported missing from the Otautau area on April 17 and is yet to be found.
A plea was posted on the Otautau Facebook page early on the morning of April 20 by friend Ben Philip, appealing for information.
“If you see or hear from him please speak up. There are a lot of people worried and searching for you mate,’’ it said.
Invercargill chief fire investigator Murray Milne-Maresca was one of the team of investigators on the scene today and said “there’s a lot of damage.’’
He was also unable to confirm whether or not the fire was suspicious.
“Everything’s being treated with extreme care . . . it’s like anything, it takes time.
The investigation would continue tomorrow.
