Home / Crime and Justice / British Tourist Feared Harvested for 'Muti' in South Africa
British Tourist Feared Harvested for 'Muti' in South Africa
6 Feb
Summary
- British tourist Lorna McSorley vanished five days into a South African holiday.
- Investigators found phone data showing three devices near where her map was found.
- Locals and experts suggest her body parts may have been sought for witchcraft.
Lorna McSorley, a 71-year-old British tourist, disappeared five days into a package holiday in South Africa's northern KwaZulu-Natal province on September 27, 2025. She was last seen alone near Mkuze after her partner returned to their hotel due to the heat. A massive six-day search yielded no clues, and her bank card has not been used.
Investigators later obtained mobile phone 'dump' data suggesting three phones converged at the location where McSorley's map was found, remaining for 15 minutes before dispersing. However, police stated they had no such data. This has fueled speculation of foul play.
Experts and locals point to the disturbing possibility that McSorley was killed for her body parts to be used in 'muti,' a form of witchcraft believed by some to bring strength and wealth. Zulu culture expert Jacob Sabelo Ntshangase noted that body parts from white individuals are particularly sought after.
The incident echoes a 2023 case where a British couple in KwaZulu-Natal were allegedly dismembered for their parts. Local officials and laborers in Mkuze expressed fear, noting that disappearances linked to 'muti' are common in the region, with some reporting dozens of vanishings over recent years.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed support for McSorley's family, while the Ghost Mountain Inn stated guest safety is a priority. South African traditional healer associations have condemned the use of human body parts in muti.
