A MAN who left his home in Sydney's northwest with only a briefcase was probably eaten by a crocodile at a remote Western Australia gorge.
The bizarre case of Teodor Mastihuba has been a mystery for 25 years but police are now trying to piece together how the photography shop owner made it from Marsfield to Emma Gorge.
His flatmate reported him missing in September 1983 when he failed to turn up for work but the trail went cold until a man known only as Chris found Mr Mastihuba's Czechoslovakian passport next to a makeshift shelter at the gorge in August 1998.
Detective Senior Constable Scott Tindale is investigating Mr Mastihuba's disappearance for the coroner.
"There was reported to be a man-made shelter (at Emma Gorge), the items were a Czech passport, a Czechoslovakian driver's licence, some shoes and a couple of photographs," he said.
"We suspect he is more than likely deceased. We have reports that Emma Gorge is infested with crocodiles.
"Investigating police (in WA) are of the opinion he has either taken his own life or has been taken by a crocodile."
Police are unsure how Mr Mastihuba made it to WA. He owned a 1971 Volkswagen but it was never correctly registered with the RTA.
His complicated life story has begun to emerge during the investigation. He migrated to Australia in 1968 and opened a photographic shop.
Interpol has tracked down Mr Mastihuba's ex-wife and son Milan, who is now aged about 50.
He had not heard from his father since was aged nine, when his father left what was then Czechoslovakia.
"They have not heard or had any correspondence since he emigrated in 1968," Sen-Constable Tindale said.
He said Mr Mastihuba's flatmate Leo Lewis, who lived with him in Crimea Rd and saw him leave home with his briefcase, and his two employees at the photographic shop might be able to help piece together the mystery.
Sen-Constable Tindale stressed Mr Lewis and the workers were not suspects and that the disappearance was not considered suspicious.
