Durban - Margate police arrested a man on Sunday for allegedly selling human body parts for as little as R4 000.
Colonel Thembeka Mbele, police spokesperson said the police officers had received information of a man selling body parts in Margate. Police made the discovery after following up on the information, the man was spotted in a vehicle, dressed in traditional attire and requested to search the vehicle.
“During the search they discovered a bucket with a human skull, hand, torso and other body parts that were cut into small pieces. The man confirmed to police that it was indeed human body parts and he informed police that he used these items them to heal people,” Mbele said.
Mbele said it is alleged that the man was looking for buyers and approached a number of traditional healers around the Emanguzi area. It is alleged that he identified himself as a traditional healer from Margate. Traditional healers became concerned when the man told them that he was in possession of human body parts which were on sale for as little as R4 000 and they brought their concerns to the attention of police.
“Police investigations are continuing to ascertain if the suspect can be linked to other crimes in the province. At this stage it is unknown as to whom the body parts belongs to and a DNA analysis will confirm if the body parts belong to more than one person,” she said.
She also said the 34-year-old man will be charged for the illegal possession of suspected human body parts and will appear in the Margate Magistrates Court soon.