Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Gibson Mhaka
The City of Bulawayo, which has long considered a tie-up order exercise where stray dogs would be shot to reduce the spread of rabies and control the growing dog population, may apparently find itself inadvertently relieved by the emergence of a vigilante “dog-extermination squad”.
Reports indicate that a three-member gang is operating in the suburbs, targeting stray dogs, killing them, and selling the meat to unsuspecting residents and food vendors under the pretext that it is goat or game meat.
Yes, you read that right, reports indicate they are also selling dog meat to street food vendors, and some of the meat is reportedly used in various items, such as burgers.
These chilling reports surfaced after the gang, which had been targeting street food vendors, was busted in the city last weekend. Their operation came to light when they allegedly sold dog meat to a street vendor who later made a gruesome discovery.
It is reported that the vendor noticed unusual skin on some of the meat, which, upon closer inspection, was positively identified as dog skin.
Horrified, the vendor reportedly attempted to contact the sellers, pretending to want more meat. However, the phone number they had provided was unreachable.
Speaking to B-Metro, a source close to the vendor (who purchased the dog meat and wished to remain anonymous) explained that this wasn’t the vendor’s first time to buy meat from the gang.
“After sharing her discovery, the vendor learned she wasn’t the only one affected. Fellow street vendors confirmed they had also been buying meat from the gang for a long time, admitting they were suspicious of its cheapness and suspected it might be dog meat.
“The gang was very convincing. The meat looked like goat or game. They often delivered at night. They target several street food vendors and backyard restaurants in the city, offering very competitive prices,” the source said.
Added the source: “The gang seems to be going around the city’s suburbs targeting stray dogs. They capture these animals, likely attracted by the readily available food scraps and less wary nature of strays, kill them, and then sell the meat. These dogs, often abandoned or born without homes, are easy targets.”
The source said the gang is also reportedly targeting revellers braaing at tshisanyamas selling them dog meat under the pretext that it is game meat.
“There are also reports they are going around suburbs and tshisanyamas too, selling dog meat and claiming its game. Just imagine people paying good money for what they think is a treat, and it’s actually dog meat,” the source said.
The victim, fearing exposure to her illegal business operations, reportedly chose not to report the incident to the police.
Of late the Bulawayo city fathers have been expressing concern over the mushrooming of backyard food outlets and fast-food vendors in the city where some are operating from street pavements. Some of the food is being sold from vehicle boots.
These vendors often buy meat from illegal meat traders who sell a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and polony, with prices starting as low as US$1 per kg.
Online Reporter