A 28-year-old Zimbabwean man who identifies himself as a spiritual healer has appeared before a court in Botswana facing charges over the alleged possession of suspected human body parts.
Nyasha Mugodzeri was arrested after members of the public reportedly alerted authorities about his alleged activities, resulting in his apprehension by law enforcement officers.
Prosecutors told the court that items allegedly recovered from Mugodzeri are suspected to be human remains. Among the items is what investigators believe could be male genitalia, although the nature and origin of the alleged remains are yet to be conclusively established.
Mugodzeri is facing a charge relating to the alleged unlawful possession of suspected human body parts. He has also been charged with entering Botswana through an unofficial border crossing.
The prosecution indicated that investigations into the matter are still in progress as authorities seek to establish where the suspected remains came from and the circumstances surrounding their alleged possession.
According to prosecutors, the charge relating to the suspected body parts is currently being treated as a holding charge while investigators continue gathering evidence and determining the full circumstances of the case.
Mugodzeri has since applied for bail and told the court that he would not abscond if released.
The prosecution’s position and the evidence surrounding the alleged possession will be considered by the court before a decision is made on whether he should be released pending the completion of investigations.
The court is expected to rule on his bail application on Friday, with the matter scheduled to return to court on September 18.
