Police acted swiftly to arrest a man (34), who claimed to be a traditional healer, for being in possession of human body parts in Margate yesterday (Sunday).
Provincial police spokesman, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said at around 10.50pm police received information which led them to Marine Drive, where the suspect was spotted seated in a vehicle.
The police officers approached the man, who was dressed in traditional clothing, and asked to search the vehicle.
“During the search they discovered a bucket containing a human skull, hand, torso and other body parts that were cut into small pieces. The man confirmed to police that these were indeed human body parts, adding that he used these to heal people,” said Col Mbele.
According to police, it is believed that the suspect had been looking for buyers and had approached a number of traditional healers around the Emanguzi area in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
“He reportedly identified himself as a traditional healer from Margate. Traditional healers he had approached became concerned when the suspect 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,” said Col Mbele.
Investigations are continuing to ascertain if the suspect can be linked to other crimes in the province. At this stage the identity of the remains is unknown.
A DNA analysis will be conducted to determine if the parts belong to more than one person.
The suspect will appear in the Ramsgate Magistrate’s Court soon.
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