Mother Raped, Murdered n Eaten By Suspected Cannibal Gang

The family of a mother who was raped, murdered and eaten by a suspected cannibal ring have spoken of their heartache.

Zanele Hlatshwayo, 25, who has been missing since July, is believed to be a victim of a cannibalism ring that has so far led to the arrest of five men.

Her decomposing body was found after a man who claimed to be a traditional healer handed himself over to police last week and confessed that he was tired of eating human flesh.

Police officers had initially dismissed his statement, according to reports.

It is only after he produced a bloodied hand and foot as proof that he was immediately arrested. He led them to his rented home, where police found eight human ears in a cooking pot.

It is believed they were to be served to his customers, who were told they had magic properties and would convey money, power and protection.

Several other body parts were found stuffed in a suitcase.

The mother-of-one's sister, Nozipho Ntelele , told the BBC:

 "We can only imagine how she begged for her life, she died an extremely painful death.

"Her clothes were covered in grass and dust, which is a clear indication that she had been in a struggle to save her life."

Five men have since been arrested.

Police spokeswoman, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, said the shocking crime unravelled on Friday night when the man allegedly confessed.She said:

 "When he was questioned, he produced part of a human leg and a hand.

"Further investigation led police to a house where they were met with a foul smell, and more human remains were found.

"A second suspect was also arrested in Estcourt and a third in the Amangwe area.

"More body parts were found."It is alleged the suspects raped, killed and cut up the body of a woman, which they then consumed.”

Police also found eight human ears in a cooking pot and other body parts belonging to his victims.

A local politician, Mthembeni Majola, told the BBC that some residents had willingly eaten human flesh.

Mr Majola also said the healer told his workers he could make them "invincible" if they ate the flesh.