Court experts have not yet determined whether some bones found in a field in Birzebbuga where the corpse of taxi driver Matthew Zahra was found belonged to humans or animals and further DNA tests are being undertaken, a court heard this afternoon.

Court-appointed experts Marisa Cassar and Ali Salfraz told Magistrate Josette Demicoli that tests of 242 bones found in the field were animal remains. There were a few ribs and other bones that could not be identified, so further tests were required.

The experts were testifying in the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea, 39, from Birzebbuga and Ronald Urry, 49, from Poala, who stand charged with murdering 27-year-old Mr Zahra in August 2012.

His remains were found buried in a field in Birzebbuga where the bodies of Mario Camilleri, 51, known as l-Mniehru and his son Mario, 21, were also discovered. The two had been murdered in July 2013.

Police Inspector Michael Mallia also testified during today's sitting. He explained how he was asked to assist other police officers in investigations related to the disappearance of the Camilleri father and son.

He said a certain Emanuel Farrugia and Mr Galea, the Camilleri's brother-in-law, were the last two to contact the murdered father and son.

Mr Farrugia took the police to a field where he had previously taken Mr Camilleri and that was when the police made the grim discovery.

He said that at a later stage in the investigations, the police discovered more bones that they suspected belonged to Mr Zahra. However, these bones were mixed with those of animals who had been buried in the same field so a process began to sift through them.

Inspector Mallia said he had also interviewed Alfredo Attard, the owner of the field in question, who told the police that Mr Zahra had been buried there by Mr Urry and Mr Galea.

Mr Attard also told him that while the two were burying Mr Zahra’s body, he spotted Mr Galea removing a gold chain from around Mr Zahra’s neck.

Inspector Mallia said that when Mr Galea and Mr Urry were arrested, they were at first hesitant but later admitted to their involvement.

The case continues.

Police inspectors Louise Calleja, Michael Mallia and Chris Pullicino prosecuted. Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for Mr Urry while lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Galea. Lawyer Stefano Filletti appeared parte civile for the Zahra family.