'FUNERAL SCAMMER MAY EVADE JUSTICE'

Investigation delays may see accused walk free

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE funeral undertaker accused of producing fake cremation certificates and burying the dead as paupers instead of cremating them may walk free if the State is unable to complete its investigation soon.

Petrus Booysen, who is believed to have scammed hundreds of families, made an appearance in the Kuils River Magistrate's Court yesterday, where family members of the deceased were left reeling in shock and disbelief when they heard that his bail had been changed to a warning and his bail money paid back to him.

The State informed the court that the investigation was incomplete and requested a postponement.

Booysen's legal team said their client was prejudiced with a lengthy process that started on January 24, while the High Court application approval for exhumation of the bodies was in fact the delay.

He called for the matter to be withdrawn if the investigation was not completed soon.

"The case has been on the roll since January 24 and we understand there is a delay," said the defence counsel.