/ 26 April 2011

Mob justice claims two lives

Two suspected stock thieves were beaten to death in Ceguwana village, Butterworth police said on Tuesday.

Two suspected stock thieves were beaten to death in Ceguwana village, Butterworth police said on Tuesday.

Captain Jackson Manatha said a woman alerted community members after seeing a man in her stock kraal in the early hours of the morning.

When questioned, the man admitted to being part of a group that had been involved in stock theft in the area. He identified his accomplices as brothers who lived in the same village.

Manatha said community members then went looking for the two brothers and all three men were then severely assaulted.

One man and a 22-year-old died at the scene and the third was taken to the Butterworth Hospital in a serious condition.

Manatha condemned the actions of the community, saying they should have contacted the police instead.

“Members of the community will be investigated and arrested as this type of brutality will not be tolerated.” — Sapa