Byline: Levhuwani Matumba
18 September 2025
Police in Lydenburg arrested a woman (39) found with human tissues (placentas) yesterday, Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The female suspect, who is an employee at a local hospital, was apprehended in Extension 2, Mashishing, and has since appeared in court today, 18 September 2025.
According to a report, SAPS members from Lydenburg K9 Unit were busy conducting routine patrols in the area and received a tip-off regarding a woman allegedly seeking potential buyers for human body tissues.
It was further reported that the woman was hitchhiking en route 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).
When approached by the Police, they found her in possession of human tissues, and she confirmed that she is a cleaner in the maternity ward.
The suspect was charged, and the contents of the bag were confiscated for forensic analysis. The woman 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.
She was identified as Rose Mnisi and remains in custody after her appearance at Mashishing District Court today, Thursday, 18 September 2025.
The case was postponed to 25 September 2025 for further investigation and for a bail application.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest of the suspect whilst appreciating members of the public for availing the information to the Police. “This incident once again reflects deep moral decay in society. The Police will continue to work with communities in addressing crime,” said the General.
