Botswana court remands Zimbabweans over suspected human remains

A 28-year-old Zimbabwean national has been remanded in custody in Botswana after appearing in court over allegations involving the suspected possession of human remains.

Nyasha Mudzongeri appeared before Francistown magistrate Ditebogo Nthuli facing two counts of entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry and unlawful possession of human flesh or remains.

Botswana Police Service (BPS) officers arrested Mudzongeri on September 13 near Shashe-Mooke Village after receiving information linked to the case.

During investigations, Mudzongeri allegedly told police that he was a spiritual healer.

The BPS said exhibits recovered in connection with the case had been submitted to its Forensic Science Services Laboratory for forensic and scientific examination.

Police said the tests would seek to establish the origin of the exhibits and determine whether they have any further evidential value.

Mudzongeri was remanded in prison and is expected to return to court on September 18.

Meanwhile, police have warned the public against creating or circulating unverified information about the case, stressing that investigations are still ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Near Bagali, the BPS public relations officer, urged members of the public to rely on official updates from the police and other competent authorities.

"Responsible use of social media is essential in safeguarding the integrity of investigations and ensuring that justice is not undermined by misinformation," Bagali said in a statement issued on September 15.

The case remains under investigation.