The body of murdered Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer has been released by coroner Patrick Murphy and will soon be returned to his family in South Africa.

Woolmer's body has been in Jamaica since his murder on March 18.

A statement from Jamaica's National Security Ministry said that Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Shields, who is heading the investigation, has agreed to the move and working with the funeral home to repatriate the body as soon as possible.

Shields said he has spoken to Woolmer's widow, Gill, and appraised her of the latest developments, according to the statement.

There was no word, however, on the timing of the body's release.

The coroner's inquest into Woolmer's death was due to start on Monday but got postponed last week due to 'significant developments' in the case.