A British tourist who went missing in South Africa last September is believed to have been killed for her body parts to be used in a witchcraft ritual, investigators have said.
Lorna McSorley, 71, from Devon, was on a two-week holiday with her partner Leon Probert, 81. The couple were staying at the Ghost Mountain Inn in KwaZulu-Natal. On September 27, they set out for a walk at 2.30pm, but Mr Probert turned back after 30 minutes, leaving Ms McSorley with a map for a three-mile circular route to a lake.
She was last seen by local farmer Koos Prinsloo, who said she looked 'relaxed' and asked for directions. Mr Probert raised the alarm at 5.30pm when she failed to return. Despite a search involving farmers, volunteers, dogs, boats and drones, no trace of her was found.
Detectives now believe Ms McSorley may have been killed for 'Muti', a traditional medicine that sometimes involves human body parts. The practice is known in South Africa's northern regions, including KwaZulu-Natal. Muti killings are condemned by traditional associations, but locals say the area near Mkuze is a high-risk zone, with dozens of people believed to have vanished due to the practice.
Ms McSorley's brother, Geoff Sheward, said a Muti killing would be the 'worst' thing imaginable. Mr Probert said he feels guilty for leaving her, adding that the fact her body has never been recovered suggests she was abducted for her body parts. Her bank card was never used.
The search was paused on October 4. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is supporting the family and is in contact with local authorities. The Ghost Mountain Inn stated that guest safety is its 'highest priority'.
