A hospital cleaner in Mpumalanga, South Africa, has been arrested for possessing human placentas, police say.
Rose Mnisi, 39, works in a maternity ward and was allegedly looking for buyers for the body tissue. She was arrested after security officers received a tip-off.
“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.
Arrest Details
Mnisi was hitchhiking to Nelspruit when she was stopped by officers during routine patrols in Lydenburg, also known as Mashishing. She was carrying an unknown number of placentas in a plastic bag.
The tissues were seized and sent for forensic analysis. Mnisi appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of illegal possession of human tissues. She is expected back in court next month for a bail application.
Police warned that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
Possible Uses of Placentas
Authorities have not confirmed what the placentas were intended for. Some people believe eating placentas can boost breast milk production or prevent post-natal depression, although there is no scientific evidence supporting this.
Concerns Over Human Body Parts
South Africa has a history of cases where human body parts are used in traditional rituals. Earlier this month, a Mozambican traditional healer was arrested in Tshwane for possession of human body parts linked to a murder in 2023.
The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal trade in human tissue and the need for strict oversight in hospitals. Police urge the public to report suspicious activities related to human tissues.
