Police investigations into the disappearance of a gold necklace belonging to murdered taxi driver Matthew Zahra are still ongoing, a court heard this afternoon.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli heard Police Inspector Fabian Fleri explain how his investigations into how the necklace disappeared from the police strongroom where court exhibits and evidence is kept for preservation.

The issue was brought up, for the umpteenth time, during the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea, 39, of Marsa and Ronald Urry, 49, of Paola who are denying murdering Mr Zahra in August 2012.

Mr Zahra’s remains were found buried in a field in Qajjenza last year.

In a previous sitting, witness Alfredo Attard, had said that before burying Mr Zahra and covering his body with soil, Mr Urry took a gold necklace from around Mr Zahra’s neck but Mr Galea asked him to put it back.

The gold necklace was eventually found at someone who claimed to have bought it from Mr Galea.

Answering questions by Mr Galea's defence counsel, Inspector Fleri said the necklace was being used as part of the investigations into Mr Zahra's disappearance. He also confirmed that the necklace was being kept by the police as there were three different groups who were claiming the necklace back: Mr Galea, who is claiming that the necklace was originally his but had been taken by Mr Zahra as part payment for the usury; Mr Zahra's family and the person who is claiming to have bought it from Mr Galea.

Answering questions, Inspector Fleri said that although there were security cameras in several areas around the police depot in Floriana, the quartermaster section, as it is known, is not covered by security cameras. Moreover, although it is a restricted area, no log is kept on who goes in and out and there were occasions when a group of people entered to collect evidence.

He said he had interrogated a number of people in connection with the disappearance of the necklace, including police officers, but he did not have conclusive evidence to be able to arraign someone over the matter.

Another issue brought up in court today was the fact that Mr Zahra has not yet been given a proper burial.

His remains were recovered while the police were looking for the bodies of murdered drug baron Mario Camilleri, L-Imnieħru, and his son Mario Jr. The bones were mixed with animal remains and that was why they needed to be identified and sorted.

The court heard that no headway had been made in the sorting of Mr Zahra's remains from animal bones found in the same field. Magistrate Demicoli ordered the court experts tasked with this sorting process to conclude their assignment by January, when the next sitting will be held.

The case continues.

Police Inspectors Chris Pullicino, Fabian Fleri, Michael Mallia and Louise Calleja are prosecuting. Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared parte civile on behalf of the Zahra family. Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Galea while lawyers Franco Debono and Angie Muscat appeared for Mr Urry.

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