Human placentas for sale: Hospital cleaner released on R10,000 bail
Hospital cleaner, Rose Mnisi was arrested in Mpumalanga after she was found with human placentas.
Image: SAPS
Rose Mnisi, the 39-year-old hospital cleaner arrested for alleged possession of human tissue, has been released on bail.
Mnisi reappeared before the Mashishing District Court this week, where she was granted bail of R10,000. Her case was postponed to 4 November 2025.
She was arrested earlier this month after police followed up on information that a woman was selling placentas. Officers intercepted her along Voortrekker Street in Lydenburg, where she was found carrying a plastic bag containing human tissue.
At the time, police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed that Mnisi was charged with the illegal possession of human tissue.
The case continues.
Last week, IOL reported that the Mpumalanga Department of Health has suspended the 39-year-old employee from Lydenburg Hospital, after she was arrested for being found in possession of human placentas.
According to the provincial department, the woman was apprehended by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Extension 2, Mashishing, on Wednesday last week.
The department moved to clarify earlier reports about the case.
“The department would also like to correct information published in the media about the incident that the human tissue referred to is actually placentas, obtained from women who give birth,” the provincial authorities said.
Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini commended the police's swift action and stressed that a departmental probe was under way.
“The MEC for Health, Ms. Sasekani Manzini has applauded the SAPS for the arrest. She is hopeful that the internal investigation by the department will bring to light what actually transpired."
Manzini warned that any other individuals implicated would face disciplinary and criminal action.
“She further says any other person or employees who will be found to have taken part in this incident will be charged accordingly,” the department added.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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