Two suspected thieves have been killed by an angry mob after stealing a motorcycle from a Kabaza operator at Chanthunya Trading Centre in Balaka District.
Publicist for Balaka Police, Gladson M’bumpha, says it is suspected that the two men, whose particulars are yet to be identified, allegedly stole a motorcycle at Manjawira Trading Centre.
M’bumpha adds that the two deceased persons asked a motorcycle Kabaza operator (Alex) that they wanted to transport bags of fertilizer to Balaka Township and they first agreed to see the quantity of fertilizer and the location before charging the hiring fee.
Alex left his motorcycle with one of the suspects while walking to the location with the other. During this time, the first suspect started off with the motorcycle and the second suspect quickly joined him and they rode off.
Alex alerted fellow Kabaza operators, who pursued and caught the suspects. Villagers joined in, assaulting the men before setting them ablaze.
Police arrived to find the suspects dead. Their bodies were taken to Balaka District Hospital for postmortem and identification. Investigations are continuing to trace the motorcycle owner and identify the suspects, but no arrests have so far been made.
