Two male suspects accused of stock theft have been killed by a mob in Shibuyunji District.

The incident occurred on October 18, 2024, around 08:00 hours in Chilonga Village.

Police in the area received a report from a named member of the public stating that two individuals had been beaten by a mob after being caught with eight (8) stolen goats.

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

The suspects had been severely beaten by the mob and were immediately transported to Nampundwe Hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

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

 When questioned about the source of the goats, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, leading the mob to fatally assault them.

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

Their bodies have been deposited at Nampundwe Hospital Mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination.

We urge members of the public to always report suspected criminal activities for proper investigation and prosecution. Taking the law into one’s own hands is illegal and dangerous.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and an inquiry file has since been opened.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by Police Assistant Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi in  Lusaka today.