Hospital Cleaner Arrested with Human Placentas in Mpumalanga, South Africa
A maternity ward cleaner was detained after police intercepted her carrying human placentas, allegedly seeking buyers.
A 39-year-old maternity ward cleaner in Mpumalanga was arrested after police discovered her carrying a bag of human placentas, authorities said.
Rose Mnisi was stopped by security officers in Lydenburg (Mashishing) during routine patrols after tips suggested she planned to sell the tissue.
According to a police statement, Mnisi admitted to transporting human placentas and is facing charges of illegal possession of human tissue. The samples have been seized for forensic analysis, and the case is ongoing.
She was hitchhiking to Nelspruit when detained. Police said they found an unspecified number of placentas in her possession and have not ruled out additional charges.
Mnisi is due back in court next month to apply for bail.
While some believe that consuming placentas can boost milk production or ease postnatal depression, there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. In South Africa, authorities have linked killings and mutilations to the use of human body parts in traditional rituals.
Earlier this month, a traditional healer in Tshwane was arrested with human tissue believed to be connected to a 2023 murder.
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The arrest underlines growing concerns over illicit trade in human tissue and ritual uses of body parts in the region.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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