UAE | Crime
Body found in desert 'not that of missing expatriate'
Relatives of South African expatriate Kerry Winter on Wednesday expressed relief after hearing from police that a body found in the desert was not that of the Al Barsha resident who went missing almost two weeks ago.
- By Emmanuelle Landais and Wafa Issa, Staff Reporters
- Published: 11:24 September 3, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Kerry Winter, 35, was forcibly taken from her home after allegedly being beaten with a baseball bat by her ex-boyfriend and has not been seen since August 20.
Dubai: Relatives of South African expatriate Kerry Winter on Wednesday expressed relief after hearing from police that a body found in the desert was not that of the Al Barsha resident who went missing almost two weeks ago.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the case. "Police are investigating and there is a person [who has been] detained," he told Gulf News.
Another senior Dubai Police source dismissed reports that the body found in the desert was that of Kerry.
"The woman is still missing," the official said. A Briton has been in police custody since August 27 in connection with the case.
David Giles, Kerry's nephew, told Gulf News: "Fortunately it isn't her which is good news," he said. "The South African Embassy called on our behalf to get information but it is not her."
Relatives of Kerry in South Africa who spoke to Gulf News said the whole family is going through a traumatic time.
A special service was held last night at St Mary's Church to pray for Kerry's safe return.
A meeting being held tomorrow to express solidarity with the distressed family will see T-shirts bearing Kerry's face being handed out to residents.
A group of volunteers will also assemble for a "Search For Kerry" rally. Lola, organiser of the voluntary gathering, said it was important to show that the Dubai community shared the concerns of the Winter family and was ready to help in any way it could.
"The idea is to send a message to the family to stay motivated and tell them they are not alone. We want people to get one of the T-shirts [we are distributing] and wear it every day until she is found," said Lola. "Can you imagine coming to a foreign country and completely relying on strangers to help you? We want to show our sincerity and support," she said.
Kerry, 35, was forcibly taken from her home after allegedly being beaten with a baseball bat by her ex-boyfriend and has not been seen since August 20.
Solidarity: Register on facebook
Information on the Search For Kerry event is posted on the social networking site Facebook and organisers will be distributing T-shirts to aid the cause at the top level car parking of the Mall of the Emirates from 9.30am tomorrow.
Anyone planning to attend should register on the Facebook group or e-mail whereiskerry@hotmail.com to allow for enough T-shirts to be printed.
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