The family of murdered taxi driver Matthew Zahra has called on the court to insist on the conclusions of an investigation into the disappearance of a gold necklace from the police headquarters.

Through parte civile lawyer Stefano Filletti, the family also requested the court to order the release of Mr Zahra's remains as he had not yet been given a proper burial. His remains were recovered from a field in Qajjenza. The bones were mixed with animal remains and that was why they needed to be identified and sorted.

"It is more of an emotional issue rather than a legal one," Dr Filletti told Magistrate Josette Demicoli.

The issue was mentioned again during the compilation of evidence against Jason Galea, 39, of Marsa and Ronald Urry, 49, of Paola who are pleading not guilty to Mr Zahra’s murder. Mr Zahra had been missing since August 2012.

The necklace was mentioned during the compilation of evidence with witness Alfredo Attard saying that before burying Mr Zahra and covering his body with soil, Mr Urry had taken a gold necklace from around Mr Zahra’s neck but Mr Galea had asked him to put it back.

Dr Filletti said the necklace in question was estimated to cost €25,000.

Lawyer Joe Giglio said the disappearance of the necklace was "truly shocking", quipping that "no wonder the Sliema residents are worried about thefts in the locality if things are even going missing from the depot".

Magistrate Demicoli upheld the request and ordered that Police Inspector Fabian Fleri, be called to testify on the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft. She also ordered that experts separate Mr Zahra's remains from animal bones. 

The case continues.