News / Crime
Second man arrested over disappearance of Brunswick woman
The body of Maryam Hamza has not been located four months after she went missing
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
A SECOND man has been arrested in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance more than four months ago of Brunswick woman Maryam Hamka.
Police announced the arrest of a 26-year-old Richmond man who will now be interviewed.
The arrest comes just days after Toby Peter Loughnane, 41, of Brighton appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with the murder of Ms Hamka.
He has been remanded to next appear on December 3 for a commital mention.
Ms Hamka, 36, of Barkly Street was last seen leaving the Albert Street Woolworths at 5.30pm on Saturday, April 10.
Her body has not been located and an investigation remains ongoing.
Loughnane was charged with murder on Wednesday.
Prior to her disappearance, she had told family she was intending to visit a friend in Brighton. She was picked up by an unknown driver and made a small purchase at Woolworths, where she was captured on CCTV.
Her family reported her missing five days later.
Early in the investigation police searched a house in Welsh Street, Brighton, which they later confirmed as being occupied by Ms Hamka’s former partner.
Ms Hamka is described as being 165cm tall, with a thin build and long black hair, brown eyes and an olive complexion.
Police are also continuing to appeal for information in relation to a red 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback with distinctive damage to the front left guard.
The vehicle has been seized by investigators, however police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the car between Tuesday, 13 April through to Thursday, 15 April 2021.
Investigators believe that during this period, the vehicle made a number of trips to and from the Brighton area and was being driven by a sole male occupant during this time.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or regarding Maryam’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Search continues for missing Brunswick woman
This story was originally published on August 25 and has been updated to include additional information.