The Estcourt “cannibals” will be appearing in court again on September 28.
During August, a 32-year-old traditional healer went to the Estcourt Community Service Centre to report that he was in possession of human body parts.
He led police officials to his home in Estcourt, where more body parts were recovered. Charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of human body parts were opened, and the suspect was arrested.
Five additional suspects aged between 29 and 32 were also arrested.
Investigations were conducted by police and an appeal was made to community members who have missing relatives to contact the local police.
DNA tests were conducted on the families that came forward and the results came back this week.
It has been confirmed that the recovered body parts were those of Zanele Hlatshwayo (25), and her family was immediately informed.
Also read: Cannibalism: Not a new phenomenon to Northern KZN
Also read: Breaking News: DA councillors hint at possible second victim killed to feed Estcourt cannibals
The arrested suspects were remanded into custody and will appear in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on September 28.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, welcomed the arrest of the suspects. “This type of crime is not acceptable in our community and these people deserve to stay in jail for a long time. We will ensure that the culprits receive the maximum sentence for their merciless acts,” he said.
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