The case of Rose Mnisi, a 39-year-old hospital cleaner from Mpumalanga, has taken a shocking turn.
Rose Mnisi’s disturbing case: Here’s everything we know
Mnisi was arrested earlier this month after police alleged she was in possession of human placentas.
She was granted bail of R10,000 this week when she reappeared at the Mashishing District Court.
The case has been postponed to 4 November 2025.
Police say they followed up on a tip-off that a woman was selling human placentas.
Officers intercepted Mnisi along Voortrekker Street in Lydenburg, where they allegedly found her carrying a plastic bag filled with human tissue.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli of the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Mnisi was charged with the illegal possession of human tissue.
The Mpumalanga Department of Health has also stepped in, suspending Mnisi from her position at Lydenburg Hospital pending the outcome of both criminal and internal investigations.
After the arrest made headlines, provincial health authorities moved to clarify what was involved.
In a statement, the department explained:
“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.”
Health MEC Sasekani Manzini applauded the police for acting quickly and confirmed that a departmental probe was underway.
She warned that anyone else implicated in the case would face disciplinary and criminal consequences.
“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.