Zimbabwean woman sells dead son's ear for US $20

"We can confirm that the woman Christine Hofisi from Chipinge (near the Mozambican border) strangled her 18-month-old son to death and cut off his left ear," deputy national police spokesman Oliver Mandipaka told AFP.

"Hofisi sold the ear to a traditional healer notorious for ritual murders in Mozambique. She sold the ear for 20 dollars but was given 10 dollars with the balance to be paid later.

"She is currently in custody in Chipinge. We are still investigating the case of murder and the investigations will extend to to Mozambique where the traditional healer is based."

Mandipaka said the traditional healer known as Maheza was facing criminal charges in his home country after being found with 11 human skulls, but he skipped bail and is now believed to be living in the border area.

Rituals murders though not common in Zimbabwe often involve traditional healers and business people who believe that the use of magic potions mixed with human organs can bring them good fortune.