MPUMALANGA, South Africa — Police in eastern Mpumalanga province have arrested a hospital cleaner after she was allegedly found carrying a bag of human placentas, which she was reportedly trying to sell.
According to BBC, the 39-year-old Rose Mnisi, who works in the maternity ward of a local hospital, was intercepted on Thursday while hitchhiking towards Nelspruit.
Officers conducting routine patrols in the town of Lydenburg, also known as Mashishing, stopped her following a tip-off from security personnel.
“Upon being approached by police, the woman was caught with human tissues. She confirmed that she is a cleaner in the maternity ward,” police said in a statement.
Mnisi has been charged with illegal possession of human tissue and appeared briefly in court the same day.
The seized body parts have been sent for forensic analysis. She is expected back in court next month for a bail hearing.
Investigators did not disclose how many placentas were recovered or what they were intended for. Police said additional charges could follow as inquiries continue.
While the alleged motive remains unclear, beliefs around the use of human body parts persist in parts of southern Africa.
Some claim consuming placental tissue can boost breast milk production and prevent post-natal depression, though there is no scientific evidence.
In other cases, body parts have been linked to traditional rituals.
Earlier this month, a Mozambican traditional healer appeared in court in Tshwane after police found human body parts tied to the 2023 murder of a young woman.
