UK botanist, Rachel Saunders' body found

Hawks spokesperson, Lloyd Ramahova says her body was identified following a wide search that included comparing DNA samples from unclaimed bodies at mortuaries.

"An extensive investigation by the Hawks and the SAPS forensic science laboratories services has lead to the positive identification of the mortal remains of Rachel Saunders. She was allegedly kidnapped in February along with her husband, Rodney Saunders in KZN," Ramahova said. 

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Rodney and Rachel Saunders went missing near the Bivane dam in Vryheid - in northern KZN. 

Four people have been arrested. Mthunzini teen - Themba Xulu pleaded guilty to being in possession of stolen property and was given a suspended sentence last month. Ramahova says the remaining suspects - including two suspected ISIS affiliates - are all in prison awaiting trial.

Remains found in the Tugela river in February were positively identified as Rodney’s in April.