NEW: Three people suffer bloating stomachs after feasting on ant-bear/aardvark (isambane) meat

Gibson Mhaka

THREE Bulawayo men, who voraciously feasted on meat of an ant-bear locally known as isambane, which was killed after it was found in Old Magwegwe near Engen Filling Station on Tuesday last week, have reportedly suffered swollen stomachs.

According to sources, the three men, whose names could not be immediately established, were also reported to have complained of nausea and giddiness. Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often comes before vomiting while giddiness is the feeling of being unbalanced and lightheaded.

Isambane is usually associated with witchcraft and this raises the question of how safe it is to eat meat from an animal which is also regarded as a means of transport by witches on their nocturnal errands.

After the animal was spotted near the filling station workers reportedly dug a pit and buried it much to the agitation of many residents who reportedly wanted the animal to be burnt.

To the surprise of many two men who could not be immediately identified took it upon themselves to dig out the buried animal before inviting their friends for a braai.

According to a source when the two were digging out the animal, residents had arguments on whether isambane was a delicacy with some saying only its fore legs. were good especially when roasted.

“The three men who fell sick were among a group of men from the suburb (Old Magwegwe) who feasted on the meat from the dead wild animal (isambane). While feasting on the roasted meat they were saying it was very tender and juicy and they were also posing for photos with it (roasted meat),” said the source.

According to the source, who also said residents were surprised to see people feasting on isambane meat. When they became very ill, they reportedly were taken to a sangoma in Makokoba suburb where they received help.

Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers’ Association (Zinatha) national secretary for administration Musa Chinhunga said although the wild animal was infamous for its use on evil missions by thieves and witches, there was nothing wrong with its meat.

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