A 39-year-old hospital cleaner has been arrested in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province after she was found carrying a bag filled with human placentas.
According to BBC, Police identified the suspect as Rose Mnisi, who worked in the maternity ward of a local hospital.
Authorities said she was intercepted during a routine patrol in Lydenburg, also known as Mashishing, after receiving a tip-off.
According to the South African Police Service, Mnisi was allegedly seeking potential buyers for the body tissue when she was caught.
“Upon being approached by police, the woman was caught with human tissues.
The woman confirmed that she is a cleaner in the maternity ward,” police said in a statement.
She was reportedly hitchhiking to the Nelspruit area when officers stopped her.
The number of placentas she carried inside the plastic bag remains unclear.
The seized tissues have been sent for forensic analysis.
Mnisi appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of illegal possession of human tissues.
She did not respond to the allegations and is expected back in court next month for a bail application.
Police added that more charges could follow as the investigation continues.
The intended use of the placentas was not revealed. However, beliefs around human placentas vary across cultures.
Some claim consuming placental tissue boosts breast milk production or reduces postnatal depression, though scientists say no credible evidence supports these claims.
South Africa has also witnessed disturbing cases where human body parts were linked to ritual practices.
Earlier this month, a Mozambican traditional healer appeared in court in Tshwane after being found with human remains connected to the 2023 murder of a young woman.
Authorities say they are intensifying crackdowns on the illegal trade and use of human tissues.
The case has sparked fresh concerns about security in health facilities and the black market for human body parts.