News / Crime
New development in case of missing Brunswick woman
Police hope discovery of human remains will provide closure for the family of Maryam Hamka
Brunswick Voice
Monday, August 7, 2023
POLICE have achieved a major breakthrough in their investigation into the disappearance of a Brunswick woman more than two years ago.
Human remains found on Monday morning are believed to be those of 36-year-old Maryam Hamka, who was reported missing on April 15, 2021.
The remains, which are yet to be identified, were found by investigators about 10.30am in bushland at Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula. Police previously conducted searches in the same area last month.
The coroner has been advised and a post mortem will occur in due course.
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Ms Hamka was reported missing by her family five days after she was last seen alive on April 10, 2021. Her last known whereabouts were at the Albert Street Woolworths at 5.30pm that day, where she was captured on CCTV.
In August that year, Toby Peter Loughnane, 43, of Brighton was charged with one count of murder and remanded in custody. Police also later charged 28-year-old Oscar Newman with assisting an offender and drug charges.
Confirming the discovery of the human remains, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen paid tribute to the detectives investigating Ms Hamka’s disappearance.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Maryam’s family and friends,” he said. The past two years have been an incredibly difficult time for them and their grief remains as raw as ever.
“The investigative efforts by the Missing Persons Squad, Crime Command and other members of Victoria Police have been tireless and extraordinary.
“Our members have worked under very difficult and trying conditions to ensure that every avenue of enquiry has been exhausted so we could provide answers to Maryam’s family.
“We know this has been an incredibly difficult and traumatic time for them. We hope that this will bring the closure they need and Maryam can finally be laid to rest.”
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