Zaida Glibanovic
DETECTIVES from the Missing Persons Squad are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help locate missing Morwell man John Swiety.
The 57-year-old was last seen in the vicinity of Ironbark Track in Goongerah on the morning of Friday, March 17.
Investigators have established that Mr Swiety 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 (50 kilometres east of Buchan).
At about 8am, Mr Swiety left the van on foot to canvas the nearby surroundings, leaving his two small terrier dogs inside the van.
Despite previous searches by police, Mr Swiety has not been seen since.
Mr Swiety’s associate was located by local hunters around 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, March 18 at 2pm, Mr Swiety’s two small terriers were located by a passer-by wandering near the Bonang Highway, Goongerah.
Mr Swiety’s disappearance is being investigated by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad.
Investigators are of the belief that Mr Swiety may have met with foul play.
Detective Inspector David Dunstan from the Missing Persons Squad, said there are major concerns for Mr Swiety’s welfare.
“We currently hold grave fears for Mr Swiety’s welfare and his disappearance is considered to be very much out of character,” Mr Dunstan said.
Investigators are keen to know more about John’s movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.
An image of Mr Swiety has been re-released in the hope someone will come forward with information about his current whereabouts.
“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,” Mr Dunstan said.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone with information about his movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.
Investigators would like to speak to anyone who saw the van pictured travelling that day between Morwell and Goongerah.
“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.
“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.
“John’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide them.”
Mr Swiety is described as being about 170 centimetres tall, of Caucasian appearance with short brown hair.
Anyone who sees Mr Swiety is asked to call triple zero (000) immediately.
Anyone with any other information regarding his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
