VANDERBIJLPARK – A man claiming to be a sangoma from Tshepong has been arrested after he was caught red-handed, digging up graves and placing human remains into his bag.

The incident happened on September 6 at Vanderbijlpark Cemetery. Security guards found the man believed to be a so-called “elite traditional healer” holding a human skull.

According to Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni, this was not an isolated incident.

“Since the start of the year, seven graves at Jackobskop Cemetery have been dug up. The latest was reported on September 5,” said Sangweni.

The situation got worse when the man reportedly admitted to digging up all seven graves.

“He told guards that he uses human body parts for muti to ‘cure’ his clients,” said a source close to the case.

The man is now facing multiple charges.

A police case has been opened, but Vanderbijlpark SAPS had not yet confirmed the arrest at the time of publishing.