Police positively identify victim in KZN cannibalism case
Updated | By Lethiwe Mdluli
Experts have positively identified the human remains found in the Estcourt home of a traditional healer accused of cannibalism.
Police spokesperson Thembeka Mbhele says a DNA analysis confirmed the victim as Zanele Hlatshwayo.
"We had four families that had to go for the sample for comparison. Analyses were conducted and it was confirmed that the body parts that were found belong to a 25-year-old woman reported missing two months ago," she says.
The story grabbed national and international headlines after five people were arrested in connection with the alleged cannibalism syndicate.
ALSO READ: KZN cannibalism: Five suspects back in court
They face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Hlatshwayo's family said at a previous court appearance they were convinced she was among the victims - based on the description of the clothing found in the house.
Hlatshwayo - who's left behind a two-year-old son - disappeared after leaving to visit her grandmother in Pietermaritzburg.
ALSO READ: KZN cannibalism case: Estcourt community angered by murders
For more on this and other developing stories, here's your latest Newswatch bulletin.
Show's Stories
-
New Apple Watches may soon feature drowning detection
Your Apple Watch might become your poolside guardian angel!
Stacey & J Sbu 6 hours ago -
KZN chronicles: Do you mispronounce certain place names?
Do you pronounce "Hluhluwe" and “Umhlanga” the correct way? Here’s what ...
Deon Govender 6 hours ago