newy.com.au – Detectives reinvestigating the disappearance and suspected murder of 16-year-old Gordana Kotevski are urging two anonymous witnesses from the mid-1990s to come forward, saying they may hold important information about who was involved.
Gordana was last seen about 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on Powell Street, Charlestown. Police say she was forced into a vehicle on Powell Street. Despite extensive investigations at the time and in the years since, she has never been found.
At a Coronial Inquest into her disappearance in 2003, the State Coroner found Gordana was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play. In early 2025, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, assisted by the NSW Crime Commission, established Strike Force Bambil to re-examine the circumstances of her suspected murder and disappearance.
Between April and May this year, investigators searched several properties in Edgeworth and West Wallsend. Inquiries are continuing.
Detectives are now seeking to speak with two men who provided anonymous information about Gordana’s disappearance in the years after she vanished. About 6.50pm on Monday 5 December 1994, a man phoned Newcastle Police Station and provided specific information about a person’s involvement in the matter. About 9.25pm on Wednesday 18 September 1996, another man contacted radio station KOFM Newcastle and spoke with a presenter, also providing specific information about a person’s involvement.
Both calls were anonymous, and Strike Force Bambil detectives are urging the callers to contact investigators about the information they hold.
In 2022, the NSW Government increased the reward for information into Gordana’s suspected murder to $1 million. The reward remains on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any person or people responsible for her disappearance.
The men, or anyone else with information, can contact Belmont Detectives by emailing SFBambil@police.nsw.gov.au or calling 02 4922 8774. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.
