Cannibalism accused dies in hospital

A 23-YEAR-OLD man accused of slaughtering and eating a woman in KwaBhaca – formerly Mount Frere – died yesterday morning.

Aphiwe Mapekula died at the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital in Mthatha‚ where he was admitted after he was shot by police.

When police arrived at the crime scene‚ Thembisa Masumpa‚ 35‚ had been beheaded.

Police said Mapekula was busy feeding on the dead body.

He allegedly ignored several warning shots and even after he was shot and wounded in the arm‚ leg and abdomen‚ he continued eating the woman’s flesh.

Provincial health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo confirmed the death.

“He was admitted on Saturday after he was transferred from Madzikane KaZulu Hospital in KwaBhaca with gunshot wounds and needed emergency surgery.

“He unfortunately died in the early hours of this morning.”