One of five human bones found in a field in Qajjenza corresponded with the DNA profile of Matthew Zahra, a court expert said this afternoon. 

Forensic expert Marisa Cassar told Magistrate Josette Demicoli that five human bones were found mixed with hundreds of other bones belonging to animals. She said that after a long process to sift through the bones, five human bones were found. 

She said she had carried out laboratory tests on one of the bones and compared it to a DNA sample taken from the Valletta taxi driver's parents and struck a match. She said she was in the process of carrying out similar tests on the rest of the bones. 

Bones believed to belong to Mr Zahra were unearthed from a field in Birzebbuga in the week that police found a shallow grave containing the freshly murdered bodies of Mario Camileri 'l-Imniehru' and his son Mario Camilleri, in August 2013.

Dr Cassar was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea, 39, of Marsa and Ronald Urry, 49, of Paola, who deny murdering Mr Zahra in August 2012.

As he welcomed the news that could eventually give Mr Zahra's family some closure, lawyer Stefano Filletti, appearing for the family, asked the court to allow the court expert to continue her tests to determine whether all of the five bones belonged to Mr Zahra.

He also expressed surprise that no other bones, including the skull and the pelvic bone, had been found in the Birzebbuga field where Mr Zahra was buried. 

Dr Cassar said she needed until the end of the month to conclude the genetic investigations. 

The case continues.