Many South Africans are tempted to follow in the footsteps (pardon the pun) of Zimbabweans who are selling off their toes for cold, hard cash
In the wake of this week’s whopping petrol price increase, and with rising food costs and widespread employment, desperate times are calling for desperate measures for some.
But claims suggesting such heinous procedures have been deemed a hoax.
ARE ZIMBABWEANS CHOPPING OFF THEIR TOES?
On social media, pictures, and videos of people missing their toes – or even having them chopped off – have gone viral.
One popular post reads: “In Zimbabwe, people have started selling their toes for thousands of dollars. This is due to the high cost of living and the failure of the government to create jobs. The big toes are being bought at $40,000, while the smaller ones [sell] at $20,000”.
In Zimbabwe, people have started selling their toes for thousands of dollars. This is due to the high cost of living and failure for the government to create jobs. The toes is being bought at $40,000 dollars (N16m) While the smaller ones at $20,000 dollars (N8m) pic.twitter.com/WfyphuYred— The 9 (@InnocentZikky) May 30, 2022
In another post, a man is heard saying he had sold his baby toe and used the cash to buy a Toyota Hilux DG6 truck. The man tells the public to also sell their toes to make quick money.
But government officials have rubbished the wild rumours.
“As government, we did research on the issue and we realised that it is false,” said the deputy minister of information, Kindness Paradza.
He added: “These are social media reports aimed at tarnishing the image of the country”.
SA WANTS IN ON THE ACTION TOO!
But whilst the rumours have been disproven, South Africans have joked about cashing in on the action too!
See what tweeps had to say:
@Sbazz_N: “This Zim guy buying people’s toes must come to South Africa, I’ll be the First to sell all my toes”@SciiTheComedist: “For millionaire’s in South Africa to also start buying toes from us”@ABOBALOYI: “How much is he willing to pay for South African toes?”@Mapretty5: “When is he coming in SA I’ll sell my fingers too”@KgalaleloKoee: “How much for the whole leg?”Twitter