Mpumalanga Hospital Cleaner Arrested Trying to Sell Human Placentas, South Africans Debate Its Use

• A hospital cleaner was arrested in Mashishing (Lydenburg), Mpumalanga, on 17 September 2025
• The 39-year-old woman was caught by police with a bag believed to be containing placentas
• South Africans weighed in on the woman's arrest and speculated about the purpose of the placentas

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

MPUMALANGA – The arrest of a hospital cleaner for the alleged possession of human placentas has raised a lot of questions online.

39-year-old Rose Mnisi was arrested on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, in Extension 2, Mashishing (Lydenburg), Mpumalanga.

Mnisi, who is employed as a hospital cleaner, was arrested after police received a tip-off that she was attempting to sell human body tissue.

How was the woman arrested?

Police Spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli explained that police members from the Lydenburg K9 Unit were conducting routine patrols when they received a tip-off.

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The information provided alleged that a woman was seeking potential buyers for human body tissue. Police also heard that the woman was attempting to hitchhike to Nelspruit.

“The police officers followed up on the information and, based on the suspect’s description, were able to locate a woman carrying a plastic bag along Voortrekker Street in Mashishing (Lydenburg). The woman was caught with human tissues,” Mdhluli said.

He added that she was charged accordingly, and forensic analysis will be conducted on the contents of the bag.

Police concerned about deep moral decay in society

In welcoming the news of the arrest, Acting Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed concern about the nature of the incident.

“This incident again reflects the deep moral decay in society. The police will continue to work with communities in addressing crime,” he said.

Mnisi has since appeared in the Mashishing District Court, charged with illegal possession of human tissues, and is expected to appear again on 25 September 2025 for her formal bail application. Police are also not ruling out the possibility that she could face additional charges as investigations continue.

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How did South Africans react to the news?

The arrest sparked mixed reactions online, as some social media users were left with questions about what she planned to do with it.

Blissard Jones asked:

“So, what was she going to do with that? Throw it on a braai or make a pot of stew with it?”

Mubanga Mwewa questioned:

“So, what can be the use of human placentas?”

Keisha Kallis Manasse also queried:

“What do they do with it?”

Nomvula Mhlongo questioned a different aspect:

“How did she get it, because she's a cleaner and not a nurse?”

Others explained who would buy the placenta and for what reason.

Wiseman Gcaba noted:

“This smuggling of human waste, and in particular placenta, is becoming a regular occurrence. A few years ago, in Leratong Hospital in Krugersdorp, a Security Officer intercepted a cleaner who was also smuggling human placentas. This indicates that there is a market for human remains. Intelligence agencies must investigate further.”

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JP Alesandro Gomez stated:

“Placentas fetch good money on the witch doctor market. They are in high demand for money rituals and farming practices.”

Bongiwe Ngubane said:

“Placentas are normally used in the making of cosmetics.”

Edwin Mpho Singano added:

“Using them for muti.”

Other stories of people arrested for possession of human body parts

Briefly News reported that there have been numerous cases in South Africa where people were arrested with human organs or body parts.

• In April 2023, an Eastern Cape man was arrested after trying to sell a severed male appendage at a shopping centre.
• On 3 August 2025, a traditional healer was arrested after police discovered he was in possession of human heads.
• On 8 August 2025, a Mozambican traditional healer was arrested with organs allegedly belonging to a woman killed in 2023.

Source: Briefly News