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Forensic results of beach bones expected soon

Police investigating the recent discovery of bones on a beach at a KwaZulu-Natal holiday resort are expecting to receive an "interim analysis" from the state pathologist within the next week, police said yesterday.

Police investigating the recent discovery of bones on a beach at a KwaZulu-Natal holiday resort are expecting to receive an "interim analysis" from the state pathologist within the next week, police said yesterday.

Durban organised crime unit head Senior Superintendent Rajen Aiyer said he was expecting an interim report on the bones found on the beach at Umhloti's northern beach before the end of the week.

The bones, which have prompted a media frenzy amid speculation that they might be linked to alleged child killer and paedophile Gert van Rooyen, were discovered protruding from the sand on Human Rights Day after the coast had been pounded by heavy surf.

The bones were discovered by a local doctor and taken to the police's forensic science laboratory in Pretoria.

Aiyer, who is heading up the task team that is investigating the bones, said: "There is no evidence to say that these bones are linked to Van Rooyen. There is a whole lot of speculation. This entire thing has been blown out of proportion.

"Allow us the opportunity to complete any analysis and to investigate," he said.

Aiyer said that the bones might have even belonged to burial sites inland near the town of Verulam.

He said he was aware of one cemetery in Verulam "that was 80percent washed away by floods some years ago".

Police spokesman Superintendent Vincent Mdunge said the forensic laboratory would determine the ageing of the bones as well as the cause of death.

Media reports last week had quoted Captain Raymond Boucher, the uncle of one of Van Rooyen's victims, as saying that police in Umhloti had contacted relatives.

Mdunge yesterday pointed out that there was no police station in Umhloti. - Sapa

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