Zimbabwe: Selling toes was just a joke in bad taste

Report that some Zimbabweans were selling their toes for millions in order to cope with the financial crisis was actually just a joke, local media reported.

The author of the joke identified as David Kaseke said:

“#SAD: In Zimbabwe, to cope with the cost of living, which has become too high and unsustainable, people are selling their toes for money. This rapidly growing business would bring in up to $40,000 for the big toe and just under $20,000 for the little toe of the foot,” the publication said.

Largely shared on dozens of information sites and gone viral on social networks, this unfounded information often illustrated by photos of mutilated feet is the perfect example of fake news.

Kaseke was brought to justice and tried for “criminal nuisance after claiming to be an agent for ritualists buying human toes”.

He explained that he made the publication while drunk, presenting himself as a redemption agent (commissioner).

He was later released by the magistrate on Z$8,000 bail.