Friday, 14 July 2006 - 11:12am |
National News

One month since Korean student disappeared

2 min read

North Shore Police say the disappearance of the 23 year old Korean student, Young Wook MA, aka Jack MA, is baffling.

Police have been searching for the young man since he was reported missing by his parents on Wednesday 14 June 2006. At some stages 18 Police Officers were on case.

The arduous Police investigation into the whereabouts of the Korean national includes several alleged sightings of the young man in the Manawatu, and local North Shore suburbs. However these reported sightings have all been eliminated from the inquiries.

Jack MA was last seen by his mother at about 1.30pm on Monday 12 June 2006. He was at his home in Unworth Heights, where he lives with his parents, and his brother.

Sometime before 5.00pm on this day, the young man has gone out the front door of the house and has then mysteriously disappeared. He left behind his wallet and other personal belongings including his New Zealand Passport. His bank account remains untouched. He did take his cell phone at time. However he did not take any clothing.

Polling of the cell phone has established that it was active in the Glenfield locality on both days prior to him being reported missing. The cell phone is now no longer active.

While treating the strange disappearance of this young man seriously, police continue to keep an open mind on why the Korean student may have gone missing.

It is completely out of character. There is no evidence of any foul play, but the present silence certainly raises our genuine concerns for his safety and whereabouts.

Every conceivable background enquiry has been made by Police in the past month in our efforts to locate Jack MA. His disappearance continues to take a severe toll on what is a close, loving family, with shy disposition and Christian beliefs.

All sectors of the community can play a vital role in helping both the family and Police to locate the whereabouts of the 23 year old Korean National. This is a complete mystery to us.

Police appeal to anyone who thinks they may seen Jack MA or has any information on his possible whereabouts to contact them immediately at North Shore Policing Centre on 09-488-6200.

NAME - Young Wook MA aka Jack MA

Male

Korean National

DOB 27/04/1983 - Age 23 years

Height - 176 cm tall

Medium Build

Black Hair

When Jack MA was last seen on Monday 12 June 2006 at 1.30pm he was wearing:

  • Grey Sweatshirt,

  • Black Circa Brand Shoes

  • Casio Baby G Watch

  • Silver Panasonic cell phone

Images of Jack MA and these items have previously been circulated.

Ends:

Kevin [Kev] Loughlin

District Communications Manager

North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police

Telephone: 09-488-9758 - Mobile: 027-281-0271

Email: kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz