11:17am UK, Saturday October 18, 2003

A Tanzanian man has cut off his genitals in an attempt to win sympathy from his creditors.

The 24-year-old took the extreme step after squandering their money on prostitutes and alcohol, according to reports.

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Man wanted sympathy

He panicked upon realising he could not pay back millions of shillings lent to him by friends and relatives to invest in a business venture.

The Guardian said the man's condition was improving after he received treatment at his local hospital in the east African country's northern Manyara region.

It was the second such incident in the area in two months.

Another man slashed off his genitals upon failing to settle a £172 debt.