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Police in Mpumalanga have arrested a hospital cleaner after she was allegedly caught with a bag of human placentas, which authorities believe she was trying to sell.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Rose Mnisi, was intercepted while hitchhiking towards Nelspruit after a tip-off led security officers and police to her.
“Upon being approached, the woman was found in possession of human tissue. She confirmed that she is employed as a cleaner in the maternity ward,” police said in a statement.
Mnisi appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of illegal possession of human tissues. The number of placentas seized has not been disclosed, and they have been sent for forensic testing. She is expected to apply for bail next month.
Ongoing investigation
Police say further charges may follow as investigations continue. They have not confirmed what the placentas were intended for, but note that human body parts in South Africa have sometimes been linked to ritual practices.
Although some people believe consuming placenta can increase breast milk production and reduce post-natal depression, experts stress there is no scientific proof of such benefits.
Broader concerns
The case comes amid growing alarm over the trade in human body parts. Earlier this month, a Mozambican traditional healer appeared in a Tshwane court after police found human remains in his possession. The body parts were later tied to the 2023 killing of a young woman.
