DURBAN, April (ANA) – The body of missing Cape Town-based botanist Rodney Saunders, 75, who went missing along with his botanist wife 63-year-old Rachel in KwaZulu-Natal in February, has been positively identified, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better known as the Hawks, said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, said the body was identified after results of the first set of forensic results were received on Wednesday.
The elderly couple -- who holds dual South African and British citizenship -- were kidnapped and allegedly murdered at or near Bivane Dam in the Vryheid area of KwaZulu-Natal. They had been searching for rare plants when the incident occurred.
Four suspects alleged to be behind their kidnapping were expected to appear before the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where bail would be opposed, according to Ramovha.
“The Hawks’ intensive investigation led to the arrest of a couple, Sayfydeen Del Vecchio and Fatima Patel 38 and 27 respectively on the 16th of February following a raid at their dwelling. The pair has been in custody ever since they were arrested and they have appeared in court a few times,” said Ramovha.
Themba Xulu a 19-year-old teenager was arrested late in February after he was also linked to the couple’s disappearance when he was found in possession of both the victims’ cell phones. His bail application has since been denied.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the fourth accused, Malawian national, Ahmad Mussa, 36 on March 22.
The group face charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of murder and possession of stolen property. Additionally, Del Vecchio and Patel face charges of arson and possession of an Isis flag and other terrorism-related paraphernalia.
“A dedicated team remain on the ground for the search of Rachel. The focus includes the mortuaries where unidentified bodies found within the search period are currently being subjected to forensic analysis and DNA tests. Further results are awaited in this regard,” said Ramovha.
- African News Agency (ANA)
