Angry mob kills suspected thief, damages police unit

Angry mob in Chitipa has killed a man after accusing him of stealing a motorcycle worth about K1,200,000.00.

The irate mob went on destroying some infrastructure at Nthalire Police Unit.

The incident occurred on April 24 2022 at around 20:00 hours at Nthalire Police Unit.

On the material date and time, the rider Medson Munkhodya,18, of Chalaghala village in the Area of Traditional Authority Nthalire in Chitipa district was hired by an unidentified man who was going to Rumphi District through Nyika National Park.

Upon arrival at Chelinda turn-off, the suspect stopped the rider and in the process stabbed him (the rider) on the stomach before vanishing with the motorcycle.

Some people who were passing by found the rider in pains and took him to Nthalire Health Centre and informed police about the incident.

The victm was further referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital for treatment.

Police in the district in conjunction with their counterparts from Rumphi and game rangers teamed up and and arrested the suspect.

While on the way to Nthalire Police, members of community ambushed the law enforcers and took the suspect away.

Later the same mob went to Nthalire Police Unit and damaged police offices and houses whose value is not yet established.

On 5 May 2021, the suspect was found torched and dead.

Postmortem examination conducted by health personel from Chitipa district hospital revealed that the death was due to bleeding .

The remains of unknown suspect is being kept at Chitipa district hospital mortuary pending identification by relatives.

Meanwhile, investigations are underway to arrest his assailants and those who attacked the police.

Police in the district are appealing to all motorcycle operators to refrain from doing their businesses during odd hours.

Police further warn people in the district to avoid engaging in mob justice and whoever is found perpetrating the vice will be swiftly brought to justice.