By Alesha Capone
Police are appealing for information about the disappearance of Hoppers Crossing man Selman (Sam) Mala, who has been missing for more than 20 years.
Family members saw Sam, then aged 37, at his Westmeadows Lane address on June 28, 2000.
He was picked up by two unknown males and two unknown females in a vehicle, believed to be a 1978 – 1982 Ford Fairlane.
Sam had all of his belongings and told family he was moving to Adelaide to live to avoid an upcoming court appearance.
He has not been heard of or seen since that day and there have been no known possible sightings of him.
Family members reported Sam missing in 2004, after a number of years of no contact from him.
Sam is described as being 178 centimetres tall and of thin build, with short brown hair and green eyes.
He was last seen wearing a brown-coloured jumper and grey tracksuit pants with a white stripe.
Since 2004, Victoria Police has made numerous appeals for information in relation to Sam’s disappearance.
The now-disbanded Belier Taskforce, which was established to investigate long-term missing persons, did look into Sam’s case but did not turn up any new leads.
Detective Senior Constable Paul Stokes said he volunteered to take on Sam’s case at the start of the year, after it was referred back to Wyndham police for investigation.
He said that with Sam’s parents getting older, he was hoping to be able to give them some peace of mind.
“They are still completely in the dark and want some answers, which is what we are trying to do,” Detective Senior Constable Stokes said.
He said police would like to speak with a girlfriend Sam had around the time he went missing, who is believed to have worked or possibly lived in Werribee.
“We’ve been unable to locate her but we’re very keen to talk to her,” Detective Senior Constable Stokes said.
“Also, anyone who knew Sam at this time or who was associated with him before he disappeared, please get in contact with us.”
Anyone who sees Sam is urged to contact triple-0 immediately. Anyone with other information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
