Man is arrested after trying to sell severed penis to shoppers at South African mall
Man is arrested after attempting to sell a severed penis to shoppers at a South African mall
- The incident took place on April 20 in Butterworth, Eastern Cape province
- The suspect is suspected of unlawful possession of bodily material
A man accused of selling a severed human penis at a shopping mall in South Africa has been arrested after shocked shoppers turned on him.
The 32-year-old suspect was grabbed by outraged shoppers as he reportedly took out the body part and offered it for sale.
Shopkeepers held the man until police arrived on April 20 at Fingoland Mall, in the Eastern Cape town of Butterworth.
The suspect, who has not been named, has been charged with unlawful possession of human tissue.
He made his first appearance before a judge at Butterworth Magistrates’ Court on 24 April.
Shopkeepers held the man until police arrived on April 20 at the Fingoland Mall (pictured), in the Eastern Cape town of Butterworth.
His case has been transferred to a higher court, with the suspect expected to be charged with attempted murder, according to local media.
Police spokesman Majola Nkohli said: “It is believed he was looking for a buyer in Butterworth.”
Officer Nkohli added: “Preliminary investigations have shown that the genitals have been removed from a 68-year-old man in OR Tambo district.”
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nomthetheleli Mene has praised locals for detaining the suspect.
Lieutenant Mene said, “This is a despicable and cruel act. The conduct of the suspect is inhumane and justice must take its course.’
The victim, whose name has not been released, is reportedly in hospital.
There are no updates on his condition.
The motive of the crime is currently unclear and the investigation is ongoing.