A cleaner at a hospital in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, has been arrested after being found in possession of human placentas. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Rose Mnisi, was reportedly attempting to sell the human tissue when she was detained by security personnel following a tip-off.
According to police statements, officers approached Mnisi while she was “hitchhiking” to the Nelspruit area. During this encounter, she was found carrying a bag containing the human placentas. Mnisi confirmed her employment in the maternity ward, where the placentas were presumably sourced. She has since been charged with illegal possession of human tissues, and the collected placentas have been sent for forensic analysis.
Mnisi appeared in court on Thursday, where she was informed of the charges against her. The police indicated that further charges may arise as the investigation progresses. She is scheduled to return to court next month for a bail application hearing.
The police did not disclose the intended use of the placentas. However, there are beliefs surrounding the consumption of such tissues, including claims that they can enhance breast milk production and potentially help prevent post-natal depression, though there is no scientific backing for these assertions.
South Africa has seen incidents where human body parts are linked to traditional rituals, raising concerns over the misuse of human tissues. Earlier in the month, a traditional healer from Mozambique faced similar legal issues after being found with human remains, connected to a gruesome murder case. The implications of these events highlight ongoing societal concerns regarding the use of human body parts in certain practices.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx20q10273o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss