GEORGE NEWS - DNA test results last week confirmed that the body found in an open field next to the road leading to Victoria Bay, is indeed that of local businesswoman Bonnie Brink-Lawrence. 

Brink-Lawrence (62), who went missing on 15 January, faced several fraud charges at the time of her disappearance.

Family members gathered in George last weekend to say a final farewell. Quinton Lawrence, her husband, earlier told George Herald that it would be a private cremation for family only.

Police were tight-lipped this week when asked about the DNA test results, that were requested privately by a close relative, as well as the police's ongoing investigations. 

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said the identification of the deceased has been finalised. "This office is not in a position to comment on the DNA tests referred to in your enquiry."

He said an inquest docket was opened when the body was discovered and that this investigation is still underway.

Asked whether the fraud investigations will be closed now that Brink-Lawrence, the suspect in these cases, is dead, Spies said these investigations will continue and that victims or complainants will be kept informed on the progress as well as the outcome.

Police are still awaiting the results of the official autopsy.

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