PLEASE NOTE: Images of Ivan Jakus are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/pW6rgdizMX/
Police are renewing their appeal to locate Ivan Jakus last seen in Sydney's south west as part of this year's 'Answers Still Matter' Missing Persons Week.
Ivan Jakus, who also goes by John, aged 75, was last seen at a club on Cowpasture Road, Leppington, about 5.30pm on Sunday 12 April 2026.
When he failed to return to his aged care facility at Casula, officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family have serious concerns for Ivan's welfare as he lives with dementia, requires regular medication and has been missing for several weeks.
Inquiries revealed Ivan was seen leaving Leppington Railway Station, about 7.30pm on Sunday and was also seen outside a home on Ramsay Road, Rossmore, about 10pm on Sunday.
A coordinated search - involving Police rescue, SES, RFS and other resources – was conducted in the Rossmore area; however, Ivan was not located.
Ivan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm, of medium build, with short grey hair. When last seen he was wearing a white 'Adidas' t-shirt, dark navy shorts, white socks and dark-coloured shoes.
Police have been told Ivan is physically highly mobile and is known to walk extensively around the Leppington area.
Ivan's Daughter, Victoria Jakus said it's been three agonising months since her father disappeared.
"Every day our family lives with unbearable uncertainty. Not knowing whether he is safe, warm, or receiving the care he needs is a weight that never leaves us. We wake up with that fear and go to sleep with it," Victoria said.
"Dad lives with Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia and is extremely mobile on foot. He was last seen in the Bringelly and Leppington areas, but he could have travelled much further. We are pleading with the community any sighting, any footage, or detail no matter how small, could help us find him.
"Above all, we desperately need answers. Even if the worst is to be expected, we need to know what happened so we can finally have peace and bring Dad home. The silence is devastating, but we refuse to give up."
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 2 August and Saturday 8 August 2026.
This year's 'Answers Still Matter' campaign highlights the unwavering commitment of investigators to uncovering the truth for families seeking closure and communities wanting clarity.
Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick said Ivan is mobile and walks long distances – any sighting is vital.
"Ivan's disappearance has caused significant distress for his family and carers. Our investigators are determined to provide them with clarity, and we are asking the community to help us find the answers they deserve," Det Insp Fenwick said.
"Ivan has been missing for several weeks and, given his dementia and need for regular medication, we hold very serious concerns for his welfare. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen him to contact police as soon as possible.
"The Answers Still Matter campaign highlights why we continue to revisit and renew appeals like this. For Ivan's loved ones, answers still matter, and we remain committed to finding out what happened to him."
Acting Superintendent Gavin Beck, Liverpool Police Area Commander said this remains an active investigation.
"Since Ivan's last confirmed sighting, investigators have pursued every line of enquiry, including extensive land searches and multiple public appeals. Despite significant resources being deployed over several weeks, we have not located him, and we continue to follow up all new information as it comes in," Act Supt Beck
"Given his age, physical condition and the length of time he has now been missing, we hold serious concerns for his welfare and are urging the community to report any sighting, no matter how small.
Any information about Ivan's movements on the day he disappeared would greatly assist detectives, particularly dashcam or CCTV footage that may help track his route. His family is distressed and seeking answers, and we are asking the public to help us provide them with clarity."
For more information on the campaign, visit: www.missingpersons.gov.au
For more information on Ivan Jakus, visit: https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/search/nsw/ivan-john-jakus
Anyone with information about Ivan Jakus is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
