Detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help locate missing 57-year-old Morwell man John Swiety who investigators believe may have met with foul play.
John was last seen in the vicinity of Ironbark Track, Goongerah on the morning of Friday, March 17.
Detective Inspector David Dunstan of the Missing Persons Squad said detectives have established that John and an associate, a 47-year-old Morwell man, left Morwell early that morning and travelled together in a white Hiace van to the vicinity of Ironbark Track, Goongerah.
About 8am, John left the van on foot to canvas the nearby surroundings, leaving his two small terrier dogs inside the van.
“We currently hold grave fears for John’s welfare and his disappearance is considered to be very much out of character,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.
Despite previous searches, John has not been sighted since this time.
“Investigators are keen to know more about John’s movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.
“We’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who has further information on what John was doing near the Ironbark Track or anyone who might have seen him or the white van in that area on the night,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.
John’s associate was located by local hunters at approximately 6am the following day after he became bogged on a muddy track about 30 kilometres southeast of Ironbark Track.
The 47-year-old Morwell man has been interviewed by detectives a number of times and is assisting with the investigation.
On Saturday, 18 March at 2pm, John’s two small terriers were located by a passer-by wandering near the Bonang Highway, Goongerah.
“Over the last three months, both Missing Persons Squad and local detectives have made a significant number of enquiries in order to try and establish John’s whereabouts, however we haven’t been able to locate him,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.
John’s disappearance is being investigated by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone with information about his movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.
“We’re appealing for anyone who does have information, whether that is from anyone who had seen John or knows where he may currently be, to come forward and contact police,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.
Investigators would like to speak to anyone who saw this van travelling that day between Morwell and Goongerah.
John is described as being about 170cm tall, of Caucasian appearance with short brown hair.
“John’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide them,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.
Anyone who sees John is asked to call triple zero (000) immediately.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
