Penis sale shock: The man, the Butterworth mall and the missing member

In a bizarre incident that shocked rural Eastern Cape, Butterworth police arrested a man who was believed to have been attempting to sell a penis at a local shopping mall last week.

The 32-year-old man appeared in the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday 24 April on charges, including the unlawful possession of human tissue.

Butterworth citizen’s arrest: Man tries to sell dismembered penis

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the suspect was arrested by members of the public while he was allegedly looking for a buyer for the male body part at Fingoland Shopping Mall, in Butterworth, on Thursday afternoon 20 April.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that a private part was removed from a 68-year-old man in OR Tambo District, who is currently in hospital.

‘Despicable and cruel act’

“The suspect will later be transferred from Butterworth to Mthatha, where he is expected to face a charge of attempted murder,” Nkohli added.

Police did not identify the suspect nor did they elaborate on his intentions to apply for bail.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene has thanked the community for their role in the swift arrest of the suspect.

“This is a despicable and cruel act, and the actions of the suspect is inhumane and justice must take its course,” Mene added.

ALSO READ: Enyobeni trial postponed due to load shedding

Soweto boys’ deaths spark fear of muti killings

The shock Butterworth incident and arrest took place on the same day as the gruesome discovery of the mutilated bodies of two young boys in Rockville and White City, Soweto.

Nqobile Zulu, aged five, and Tshiamo Rabanye, aged six, were said to be playing with one of their friends when they were allegedly approached by unknown men travelling in an unidentified car on Wednesday evening, according to IOL.

Both bodies were missing their private parts, noses and lips, sparking fear of suspected muti or ritual killings in the Rockville, White City, and Mofolo South communities.

On Monday 24 April, The Citizen reported that ActionSA has put up a R50 000 reward for any information which could lead to the arrest of the killers of the two boys.

ALSO READ: Tanzanian Police probe how Thabo Bester and Nandipha slipped through checkpoints