04 Nov 2026

Francistown Magistrate Court has further remanded in custody Zimbabwean national, Nyasha Mugodzeri (28), pending forensic results to determine whether some of the exhibits found in his possession are human body parts.

Mugodzeri is facing two counts of entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry and possession of suspected human body parts.

Appraising court on the progress of investigations, State Prosecutor, Mr Ditshoto Mpale said the state was still awaiting results from the forensic laboratory.

He said the forensic analysis of the exhibits was crucial to establish whether they were human body parts and would determine the next course of action.

“We have communicated with the forensic laboratory and they have promised that by Friday this week they will give us the results. In the next mention we will determine whether to amend our charge sheet and map way forward,” said Mr Mpale.

Meanwhile, Mugodzeri pleaded guilty to the first count of entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry and pleaded not guilty to the second count.

In mitigation, he pleaded with the court not to impose a custodial sentence, saying his children were suffering as they had no one to take care of them.

The court ordered his further remand in custody until November 23, when the case will mention for status update.

Mugodzeri, who allegedly claims to be a spiritual healer, was arrested on September 14, at Phirinyane Ward in Shashe Mooke.

He was denied bail on September 18, after the court ruled that he was a flight risk, having allegedly entered the country illegally through an ungazetted point of entry.

It was previously revealed in court that laboratory tests had shown some of the exhibits initially suspected to be human body parts were government trophies. Some of the exhibits were then sent for further forensic examination. ENDS