18 Sep 2012

Woman's disappearance now homicide inquiry

8:34 pm on 18 September 2012

Police have launched a homicide inquiry into the disappearance of Hamilton woman Rae Portman, who has not been seen for the past three months.

They say it is highly likely she was killed as a result of her dealings in the world of illicit drugs.

The 33 year old, who is also known as Bok, was last seen checking into a motel in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert on 20 June.

She checked out the following day, but left her belongings.

Police say based on information from the public, Ms Portman's disappearance is now being treated as a homicide.

They say three arrests have been made during the course of the investigation, but they are not to do with her disappearance.

Ms Portman, who was pregnant when she went missing, was assaulted 12 days before she disappeared.

Detective Inspector Mark Gutry says he cannot yet reveal the details of the information the police are receiving, but they have been keeping Ms Portman's mother informed.

Her mother, Rebecca Norton, has previously made an emotional appeal for information.