Networked Knowledge – Media Report

[This edited version of the report has been prepared by Dr Robert N Moles]

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On 16 August 2007 Adelaide Now reported “Major Crime chief quits”

It said one of South Australia's most senior detectives has stunned colleagues by quitting as head of the crime team responsible for the state's biggest investigations. The officer in charge of major crime, Detective Superintendent Peter Woite, handed in his resignation late last week shortly before clearing his desk, briefly farewelling colleagues and permanently leaving.

The Advertiser understands Supt Woite – a Magarey medallist – told his staff he did not want to speak to anyone from the office of Police Commissioner Mal Hyde or his leadership team. Supt Woite has been uncontactable since he left the major crime squad's office in Wakefield St, city, last Friday. Police sources said yesterday the abruptness of Supt Woite's departure had taken major crime detectives working on several investigations by surprise. These included the disappearance of South-East woman Glenys Heyward, the murder of Adelaide Hills teenager Carly Ryan, and allegations notorious pedophile Bevan Spencer von Einem was involved with the disappearance of the Beaumont children. "He just went into the office, handed in his papers, specifically said he didn't want anyone from Hyde's office ringing him and walked out," said one source.

"He's got plenty of annual leave owing so he's going to take that and not come back.  "Nobody has heard from him since. It's left everybody a bit blown away because there were quite a few files needing answers from him about what needed to be done." Mr Woite, who has tertiary qualifications in teaching, workplace training, public policy and justice administration, replaced Superintendent Mick Symons as head of major crime in March, 2004.

The Advertiser understands he became disenchanted after unsuccessfully applying three times to become the head of the Fort Largs Police Academy. Mr Hyde's spokeswoman Roberta Heather yesterday said Supt Woite had "retired" but was unaware of any request for Mr Hyde's office not to contact him. "Superintendent Woite is wished well in his retirement and thanked for his valuable contribution to SAPOL," she said.

Ms Heather said acting Detective Superintendent Tony Crameri would run major crime until a new selection was made.  

Source: 16 August 2007 Adelaide Now “Major Crime chief quits”

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