Mystery deepens as ex-boyfriend of missing Melbourne woman Maryam Hamka, 36, is charged

Mystery deepens as ex-boyfriend of a missing Melbourne woman, 36, last seen at a Woolworths supermarket a week ago is arrested and charged over unrelated offences

  • Maryam Hamka was last seen on April 10 at a Woolworths store in Melbourne
  • The 36-year-old told her family she was going to visit a friend in Brighton 
  • Her ex-boyfriend was taken into custody and charged with unrelated charges

The ex-boyfriend of a missing Melbourne woman has been taken into custody following a police raid and charged with offences unrelated to her disappearance.

Maryam Hamka was last seen leaving a Woolworths supermarket in Brunswick at about 5.30pm on Saturday April 10. 

The 36-year-old, who was wearing a black dress, told her family she was going to visit a friend in Brighton. 

Victoria Police have grave fears for her safety and said missing person’s detectives are doing all they can to locate her. 

A man has been arrested by police as they continue to search for missing Melbourne woman, Maryam Hamka (pictured)   

On Friday night, police executed a search warrant at a home in Brighton and arrested a 45-year-old man – Ms Hamka’s ex-boyfriend.

‘The Brighton man has been charged tonight with matters unrelated to Maryam’s disappearance,’ police said in an update on Saturday.

The man has been remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 30.

Police have are yet reveal what the charges are.  

Detectives scoured her car and home after Ms Hamka was reported missing on Thursday April 15.

Her phone remains switched off and Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said serious concerns are held for her safety, and her family is distraught – despite their sometimes problematic relationship.

He has told reporters it was not unusual for her to be out of contact with her family for several days but relatives became more and more concerned as the days passed.

They have been unable to reach her on her phone, and she has not been active on social media.

Ms Hamka was last seen leaving a Woolworths store in Brunswick at about 5.30pm on Saturday April 10

Ms Hamka was last seen leaving a Woolworths store in Brunswick at about 5.30pm on Saturday April 10

‘They have serious concerns, as we do, for her welfare,’ Det Insp Stamper told reporters on Saturday. 

Police have released images of Ms Hamka as part of their search. 

Detectives trying to piece together her movements have appealed for anyone who saw her to come forward and contact police immediately.

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

Ms Hamka's car is currently surrounded by police tape outside her home and her phone remains switched off

Ms Hamka’s car is currently surrounded by police tape outside her home and her phone remains switched off