Brunswick woman Maryam Hamka vanished two weeks ago, without a trace

Yelling was often heard coming from the apartment of missing woman Maryam Hamka’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Toby Loughnane.

Saturday will mark a grim milestone for Brunswick’s Hamka family.

It has been two weeks since their beloved daughter and sister Maryam vanished without a trace from inner-city Melbourne.

Ms Hamka, 36, left her family’s Barkly Street home on April 10 with a bag of clothes as she was picked up by her on-again-off-again boyfriend Toby Loughnane.

Her mother Susan had begged her not to leave with Loughnane, 45, due to fears for her daughter’s safety.

Maryam was captured later that day on CCTV footage about 5.30pm at the Albert Street Woolworths in Brunswick.

Maryam Hamka.

Maryam Hamka.

Her movements after that moment remain unclear, but police have confirmed her phone, bank accounts and social media have not been accessed since that night.

While Mr Loughnane has not been charged with any offence related to Ms Hamka’s disappearance, he is currently remanded in custody for an assault on her in December last year.

Loughnane was charged and remanded in custody after Ms Hamka went missing.

He has been charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, aggravated assault and commit indictable offence while on bail and will next face court on April 30.

Last weekend, his million-dollar property on Brighton’s exclusive Well Street was raided by detectives for clues.

Maryam Hamka was last seen at a Woolworths in Brunswick.

Toby Loughnane.

His red Mazda and computer were seized from the two-bedroom apartment, while CCTV was obtained from neighbouring properties.

Maryam’s younger sister Hanna Hamka said her family were “relieved” Loughnane was behind bars, saying it was one thing less to worry about as the days went on.

“Dead or alive, we want to know what has happened, Hanna Hamka said.

“They say you have to prepare for the worst but we are hoping for the best.

“It is a bit crazy, we are drained.”

The tight-knit family reported Maryam as missing to police on April 15, five days after they last saw her.

“It was my mum who said it was out of character, as we hadn’t heard from her,” Hanna Hamka said.

“I messaged her on that Saturday and she never replied, which was weird. She would always respond.”

Missing persons squad detectives at Loughnane’s Brighton property. Picture : Nicki Connolly

Multiple neighbours of Loughnane, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had often heard commotion coming from his home.

“I’ve heard lots of yelling from his apartment late at night,” one said.

His family have declined to speak to the Saturday Herald Sun.

Maryam’s younger brother Hassan Hamka told media this week the alleged December assault turned her face “black and blue”.

“I saw her face after, I couldn’t look at her,” Mr Hamka said.

A former cleaner, Maryam Hamka had struggled to find work since the pandemic struck and was unemployed at the time she went missing.

She had been dating Loughnane for about 16 months.

Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper from the missing persons squad has launched a desperate plea for anyone with information to come forward.

“Her family are distraught and have serious concerns, as we do, for her welfare,” Det Stamper said.

Detectives door knock properties along Well Street Brighton. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A computer was seized from Loughnane’s two-bedroom apartment. Picture: Nicki Connoll.

Combing through hours of CCTV footage will play a crucial part in tracking the movements of Ms Hamka after she left the Woolworths.

She is about 165cm tall, with a thin build, long black hair, brown eyes and an olive complexion.

Maryam’s aunt Linda said the family was holding out hope.

“We are just hoping Maryam knocks on the door and comes in,” she said.

“We are all hoping.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

@BriannaTravers