Police have opened an inquest docket after human remains were found in the bushes in the Newlands West area on Monday morning. Picture: One Stop Security
Durban — An unexpected, gruesome discovery was made on Monday morning in the Newlands West area when a dog brought a human skull.
This led to the discovery of more human remains in a nearby bush.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Newlands police have opened an inquest docket after human remains were found in the bushes in Newlands West.
He said circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
According to a statement by One Stop Security, on Monday at approximately 7am, their control centre received information regarding a finding in a yard in the Newlands West area.
“On arrival, the One Stop Aro discovered what seemed to be a human skull,” One Stop Security said.
The company said the owner reported that her dog went to the bush and returned with the skull. She then contacted One Stop.
“Immediately all available units as well as SAPS and forensics were dispatched,” One Stop Security said.
“Upon further investigation, a very bad odour is perceived from the bush area. One Stop Aro’s along with SAPS continued to investigate. What appears to be human remains was discovered.”
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ after leaving the scene of the incident, community leader and One Stop Security manager Racheal Pillay said clothing and a knife were found with the rest of the human remains.
When asked what state the remains were in, she said: “One leg still had flesh on it.”
Pillay said the SPCA had to be called in. She said it is possible dogs had been mauling the victim for some time.
She also said the victim appeared to have been killed, however, they did not know how long the victim had been in the bush.
Pillay said the smell from the scene was overwhelming.
She added that the children did not attend school due to the trauma they experienced.
Based on images from the scene, seen by the ‘Daily News’, the skull without the mandible (jaw), had what appeared to be a thin layer of flesh.
In another image, there are various clothing items scattered around the remains, including that of the victim. Some of the victim’s pelvic bone and femur (thigh bone) can also be seen. Next to what appears to be a tracksuit worn by the victim, is a knife.
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