Police positively identify victim in KZN cannibalism case

Police positively identify victim in KZN cannibalism case

Experts have positively identified the human remains found in the Estcourt home of a traditional healer accused of cannibalism.

Estcourt cannibalism
Nushera Soodyal


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

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