Fresh push to solve baffling disappearance
A fresh appeal has been made for information about a Hoppers Crossing man who vanished from his home 21 years ago under bizarre circumstances.
Police & Courts
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Detectives have launched a fresh push to solve the disappearance of a Melbourne man who vanished 21 years ago.
Selman “Sam” Mala of Hoppers Crossing was last seen climbing into a car containing two men and two women on January 28, 2000.
Police have never been able to determine the identity of the quartet who collected him at his Westmeadows Lane address and want them to come forward. They were in a Ford Fairlane, believed to have been manufactured between 1978 and 1982.
The initial investigation was made challenging because the 37-year-old was not reported missing until 2004.
Mr Selman had a girlfriend at the time, but police have been unable to find her.
They know he was connected with western suburbs crime figures, but have no indication this has anything to do with his disappearance.
Detectives have appealed for those in the Fairlane or anyone associating with him at the time to come forward.
When Mr Mala was finally reported missing, police were told he had all his belongings with him on the day that he disappeared.
He told family members he was moving to Adelaide to live, in a bid to avoid a looming court appearance.
Police believe it is unlikely Mr Mala is still alive, but have no idea what happened to him.
He was described as 178cm, of thin build with short brown hair and green eyes.
Mr Mala was last seen wearing a brown jumper and grey tracksuit pants with a white stripe.
Detective Senior Constable Paul Stokes of Wyndham CIU said establishing who was in the Fairlane or finding anyone with information was crucial.
“It’s been 21 years for the family. We want to find the answers for them. Think how it would feel if it was one of your family members,” he said.
“We want to talk to anyone who was associating with him, even if they don’t believe they have any information that’s relevant.”
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au
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