News / Crime
Where is Maryam?
Police appeal for information on six month anniversary of Brunswick woman’s disappearance
Brunswick Voice
Friday, October 15, 2021
SIX months after she disappeared, two men have been charged over the alleged murder of Brunswick woman Maryam Hamka but the location of her body remains a mystery.
Police have used the six month anniversary of the 36-year-old woman’s disappearance on April 15 to renew a public appeal for information.
Despite an intensive police investigation that has resulted in two men being charged, the whereabouts of Ms Hamka is unknown.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for Maryam’s family and we are hopeful that we may be able to find Maryam and give her family even a small amount of comfort that she’s been located,” Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper, the officer in charge of the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad, said on Friday.
Toby Peter Loughnane, 41, of Brighton was formally charged with murder in August, while 26-year-old Oscar Newman has been charged with assisting an offender (murder). Both men will next appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal mention in December.
Ms Hamka was last seen leaving the Albert Street Woolworths at 5.30pm on Saturday, April 10.
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.
Det-Inspector Stamper said police had not given up on locating Ms Hamka’s body.
“Our investigators are as committed as ever, and we will continue to follow up all avenues of enquiry in locating Maryam,” he said.
“If there is anyone out there with information about Maryam’s disappearance who is yet to speak to police, then I am again appealing for them to come forward and make contact with investigators.”
Detectives are appealing to anyone with information regarding Maryam’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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