Two people reportedly burnt to death by mob in Mulimba village, Central province

Two people have been burnt to death by a mob on allegations of cattle rustling in Mulimba village of Shibuyunji District of Central Province, Police sources say.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, identified those murdered as Remy Mwiinga, aged 45, and Benny Ngwiliza, aged 29.

Hamoonga in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, said this occurred on October 2, 2023 at around 02:00 hours, when a group of people came across a truck loaded with cattle suspected to have been stolen.

He said the truck had four suspects on board who upon noticing a group of people, decided to run away from the scene abandoning the vehicle.

“The two survivors both of Chilanda Village namely Enerst Siziba, aged 43, the owner of the Volvo truck registration number CAA 5837 and Isaac Paraza, aged 28, a driver for the truck are in police custody,” Hamoonga said.

He said two suspects were, however, caught in the process and burnt to death and Police had since instituted investigations into the matter.

Hamoonga said mob justice, also known as vigilante justice, refers to the act of individuals or groups taking the law into their own hands to administer punishment to alleged wrongdoers without due process.

“While we understand the frustration and anger that can result from criminal activities, we want to emphasize that mob justice is not only illegal but also poses serious risks to the safety and well-being of our residents,” he said.

Hamoonga said mob justice not only violates the principles of due process but can also lead to innocent people being wrongly accused and harmed.

He urged residents of Mulimba Village and the general public to refrain from engaging in mob justice and instead report suspected criminal activities to the nearest Police station or other relevant law enforcement agencies.

“The dangers of mob justice are numerous, including the risk of violence, injury, and even loss of life as has been in this incident,” Hamoonga said.

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