A 39-year-old hospital cleaner was arrested in Lydenburg on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, after being found in possession of human placentas, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for SAPS Mpumalanga, said the woman was apprehended in Extension 2, Mashishing (Lydenburg), following a tip-off to police about a woman allegedly seeking buyers for human body tissues.
The suspect was hitchhiking en route to Nelspruit when police intercepted her.
Officers from the Lydenburg K9 Unit, conducting routine patrols, followed up on the information and located the woman carrying a plastic bag along Voortrekker Street.
“Upon being approached by Police, the woman was caught with human tissues. The woman confirmed that she is a cleaner in the maternity ward,” Mdhluli said.
“The suspect was charged accordingly, and the contents of the bag were confiscated for forensic analysis. She is facing a charge of illegal possession of human tissues, and the Police cannot rule out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.”
Mdhluli confirmed that the confiscated placentas were handed over for forensic analysis.
Mnisi has been charged with illegal possession of human tissues, with the possibility of further charges as investigations continue.
She appeared in Mashishing District Court on Thursday, 18 September 2025, and remains in custody. The case was postponed to 25 September 2025 to allow for further investigation and a bail application.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Mpumalanga, welcomed the arrest and commended the community for providing crucial information. He remarked, “This incident once again reflects deep moral decay in the society. The Police will continue to work with communities in addressing crime.”
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
First published in African Insider
Also see: 20-year-old woman arrested for murder of 3-month-old baby
