A MAN nearly lost both arms after inserting car bearings just above his elbows in a bizarre ritualistic treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
Doctors told Martin Mlalazi, 54, he was close to having both arms amputated after the bearings interrupted blood flow, caused swelling to his arms and dug into his flesh.
When Mlalazi was admitted at the United Bulawayo Hospitals, doctors called in fire fighters and engineers from the Bulawayo City Council who painstakingly used grinders to cut the bearings which are made from high speed steel which is known for its toughness and abrasion resistance.
Mlalazi, from Thokwana district in Plumtree, told hospital staff he had worn the bearings on the advice of a traditional healer.
A hospital official quoted in the Bulawayo Sunday News said: “The traditional healer prescribed him to insert two outer races of bearings in each arm.
“He did this after he smeared soap on the hands and inserted them up to the arms level.
“He took too long to visit the hospital and the bearings were now cutting deep into the flesh and if he had delayed a bit further, the worst could have happened.”
Before checking himself into hospital, Mlalazi had unsuccessfully tried to remove the bearings using a hacksaw and an axe.
After seeing the bearings removed in what doctors say was a medical first, Mlalazi said: “I am now feeling better.”
He declined to disclose the ailment that led him to consult the healer.