A shocking case in South Africa has drawn attention after a hospital cleaner was caught carrying a bag filled with human placentas. Police say the 39 year old woman, Rose Mnisi, was found with the body tissue in the eastern province of Mpumalanga after security officers received a tip off.

Officers explained that when they approached her, she admitted to working as a cleaner in the maternity ward of a hospital. She was quickly arrested and taken into custody. The woman is facing charges of illegally having human tissues and the placentas have been sent for forensic testing. She has not yet given her official response in court.

Authorities added that she was hitchhiking toward the Nelspruit area when she was stopped during a routine patrol in the town of Lydenburg, also known as Mashishing. The exact number of placentas she carried in the bag is still unclear. Police have said the suspect was charged but warned that further charges might follow as the investigation continues. She is expected back in court next month for a bail hearing.

It is not known what the placentas were meant for, though some people believe that eating them can help mothers produce more breast milk and even prevent depression after giving birth. However, there is no scientific proof for these claims.

In South Africa, police have dealt with several disturbing cases in which human body parts were taken and used in traditional rituals. Just earlier this month, a Mozambican traditional healer appeared in court in Tshwane after being caught with human body parts that were linked to the killing of a young woman in 2023.