Two phone calls, one enduring mystery: fresh plea in Gordana Kotevski case

Two phone calls more than 20 years ago could unlock one of Newcastle's most famous cold cases, investigators hope.

Police investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana Kotevski are seeking help to find anonymous witnesses who reached out in the early 1990s.

The 16-year-old was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street at Charlestown about 9pm on Thursday November 24 1994.

Ms Kotevski was walking from Charlestown Square to her aunt's home on the same road.

In 2003 a coronial inquest concluded that she was deceased, most likely due to foul play.

Police on Friday said that investigators from Strike Force Bambil, which was formed in early 2025 to re-examine the case, were calling for two anonymous witnesses to come forward.

One had contacted Newcastle Police Station about 6.50pm on December 5 1994 to provide "specific information about a person's involvement in the matter".

Two years later, on September 18 1996, a man called radio station KOFM and spoke with a presenter with similarly specific information.

"Both calls were anonymous, and detectives are urging the callers to come forward and speak with investigators about the information they hold," Lake Macquarie police said in a statement.

The fresh appeal follows searches of several properties at Edgeworth and Wallsend between April and May this year.

It also comes nearly four years after the state government increased the reward for information on the suspected murder to $1 million in 2022.

That reward remains on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for her disappearance.

Police said inquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Belmont detectives on 4922 8774 or via email at SFBambil@police.nsw.gov.au