Newlands detectives have been inundated with reports of missing people after three skeletons and the partially decomposed body of a woman were discovered in Newlands West, Durban, on Saturday morning.
The skeletons and the decomposed body of a woman aged between 20 and 30 were discovered not far from one another by people clearing unused land near the Fosa TB Settlement on Newlands West Drive.
The police believe that a serial killer is on the loose as the three skeletal remains and the body of the woman were all found with their hands tied behind their backs.
The woman was found half naked, slightly burnt and face down, with a plastic packet over her head. Police said the woman's body might have been burnt when people clearing the area set fire to the bush.
Police believe the skeletons had been there for more than six months.
Police spokesperson Michael Read said the detectives in Newlands had received a number of calls from people informing them about their missing relatives.
"We hope to make links between the skeletons and the reports very soon because people are informing us about their missing relatives. One of the reports include that of a man who reported that he lost his mother last year. We have arranged to meet some of the relatives of reported missing people today," said Read.
He said the skeletons were found close to one another. "The spots where each skeleton was found roughly formed a triangle. The forensic experts are profiling the killer," said Read.
KwaZulu-Natal police director Bala Naidoo said they were still waiting for the results of post-mortem and forensic tests to determine whether it was the work of a serial killer.
"If the post-mortem shows that a serial killer is involved, we will consider looking for experts who have experience in investigating serial killer cases," said Naidoo.
Police have appealed to any one with information, or who have missing relatives to contact Inspector Dudley Zikhali at 031 577 7076.