By DARLINGTON MWENDABAI
SOME residents of Chipata have burnt an unidentified man to death for alleged theft.
Eastern Province deputy commissioner of police Alfred Nawa, who confirmed the incident, urged the public to desist from meting out instant justice on suspected thieves.
Mr Nawa said the man was burnt beyond recognition when residents took the law into their hands and applied instant justice.
The body had a deep cut on the head and its neck was twisted. Mr Nawa said the incident happened on
Saturday and some members of the public reported the matter to police.
The man, whom we could not identity, was burnt by the residents in unclear circumstances. We suspect he
could have stolen something. He was caught and burnt to death near Cargill turn-off, he said.
Mr Nawa said no arrest has been made so far and the body is lying in Chipata General Hospital awaiting identification.
He said the matter is complicated because the man, who was reported murdered in the early hours of
Saturday, was only picked by police around 08:00 hours.
No-one has come forward to claim the body or report a case of a missing person.
Mr Nawa said members of the public should report suspects to the police instead of resorting to instant justice.
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