Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has announced a $100,000 for information into the disappearance and presumed murder of Sylvia Pajuczok in 2008.
The 53-year-old mother of three and grandmother of five vanished on Christmas Eve from a friend’s house in Bombala. She has not been seen or heard from since, and her bank account has not been accessed.
Ms Pajuczok’s green Toyota Tarago van was found abandoned by the side of the Monaro Highway, 10km south of Bombala.
The movements of a white van described as a Toyota Hiace, seen parked near the home Ms Pajuczok had been visiting at the time, are the subject of police investigations.
The occupant/occupants of the van may have been travelling from interstate at the time and detectives want to talk to the driver to eliminate them from the investigation.
Minister Gallacher is calling for anyone with information to come forward.
“Someone in the community knows what happened to Sylvia, now is the time to come forward with information to help solve the mystery which has haunted her family for nearly five years,” Minister Gallacher said.
“We would like nothing more than for someone to come forward with the information needed to find the person or people responsible for Sylvia’s disappearance and presumed murder.
“This case will remain active until it is solved,” Minister Gallacher said.
Detective Inspector David Kay, from Strike Force Lerra, said Ms Pajuczok’s disappearance was totally out of character as she would always be in regular contact with her family and friends.
“Investigators have been following a number of lines of inquiries and are still treating Ms Pajuczok’s disappearance as suspicious,” Detective Inspector Kay said.
“The doting mother and grandmother did not just vanish one day; we know there is someone out there who has information about where she is.
“Police are calling on anyone who may have information about her disappearance to contact them to help provide some closure for her family,” Detective Inspector Kay said.
Anyone from New South Wales or interstate who can assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.