Thames murder was for muti
2002-01-29 20:14
London - A young boy whose body was found in the River Thames was the victim of a muti killing, South African expert Prof Hendrik Scholtz has found.
British police have called in Scholtz to conduct a second post mortem to ascertain whether the boy was the victim of a so-called muti murder, in which body parts of the victim are used for ritual purposes.
After examination, Scholtz concluded that the boy's remains suggested "a ritualistic homicide" similar to muti murders in South Africa, associated with witch doctors and attempts to procure favourable business prospects. Children are often the victims, and the parts used are said to be cut off while they are still alive.
Scholtz said he based his findings on "tool marks on the bones, limbs and neck of the deceased", believed to be that of a five or six-year-old boy.
Police call the victim Adam. His body was spotted near Tower Bridge in London on September 21, by when he had probably been dead for 10 days.
A white sheet with seven candles was found washed up near the body. On the sheet was the name Adekoyeto Fola Adeoye. Police have not managed to trace anyone of that name in Britain.
Metropolitan Police Commander Andy Baker requested information from the public about the boy's identity.
A £50 000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer or killers.