Mob kills two suspected goat thieves in Shibuyunji

Two male suspects accused of livestock theft were killed by a mob in Shibuyunji District, Central Province, police officials have confirmed.

The incident occurred on October 18, 2024, at around 08:00 hours in Chilonga Village, according to Police Assistant Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi.

In a statement on Saturday, Chilabi said police received a report from a member of the public that two men had been severely beaten by a mob after being caught with eight stolen goats.

Police officers rushed to the scene, where they found the suspects alongside the goats, which had already been identified by the owner.

“The suspects were severely beaten by the mob and were transported to Nampundwe Hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival,” Chilabi said.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were found by community members near the roadside with the stolen goats, allegedly attempting to board a bus to Lusaka.

When they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation about the goats, the mob fatally assaulted them.

The deceased have been identified as Lovede Mukonde, 31, and Shombe, 26, both residents of Shibuyunji.

Chilabi said their bodies were at Nampundwe Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem examination and urged the public to report suspected criminal activities rather than resorting to mob justice, which he described as illegal and dangerous.

“An inquiry file has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” Chilabi added.

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