23 October 2024

Police search Mt Ainslie while investigating long-term missing man, Malak Arok

| Albert McKnight
portrait of man

Malak Arok, previously known as David Abuoi, has been missing since 2012. Photo: AFP.

ACT Policing will search an area of Mt Ainslie on Wednesday (23 October) as they continue the long-running investigation into the disappearance of Malak Arok, who hasn’t been seen for over a decade.

“Today, approximately 30 members from ACT Policing, including specialist forensics and AFP Search and Rescue, will assist with the search,” a police spokesperson said.

“The search location has become an area of interest after reviewing information gathered from witnesses and other sources of information.”

Mr Arok has previously been referred to as David Abuoi, and he may have also used the first name Gabrielle.

A Sudanese refugee who came to live in the ACT in 2005, he has not been seen since leaving the ACT Watch House on the morning of 10 July 2012.

Then, aged 35, he was last seen that morning on London Circuit in Civic before his cousin reported him as missing on 4 August of that year.

He would now be 47 years old.

man looking down

Malak Arok was reported as missing by his cousin in 2012. Photo: AFP.

Previously, police said he had recently moved to Canberra from Sydney before he went missing.

He was known to frequent and stay at the Bega and Allawah Flats in Braddon and had friends and family in Sydney.

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Police also previously said he may be known to others in the Sudanese community.

“Police hold serious concerns for his welfare,” police previously said.

If you can help police with information on the disappearance of Mr Arok, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via Crime Stoppers ACT. Quote 5093973.

His disappearance is not the only missing persons case police are committed to solving.

Laura Haworth

Laura Haworth was last seen in Queanbeyan in 2008. Photo: ACT Policing.

Earlier this year, police announced a $500,000 reward for information that could solve the suspected murder of Laura Haworth, who disappeared over 15 years ago.

She was last seen on Collett Street in Queanbeyan on 5 January 2008 before her car was located in Reid in the ACT on 18 January.

The 23-year-old mother-of-two from Canberra has never been found.

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