Suspect beaten to death by angry mob in Nkhotakota

Ronald Mndefu, 24, was on Saturday, April 13, 2013 beaten to death by angry mob when he was caught red-handed stealing diesel from a car-tank.

Nkhunga Police acting Public Relations Officer Austin Kaunda said the deceased who hailed from Mbuna Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T.A.) Kanyenda in Nkhotakota district was caught red-handed siphoning diesel from the tank into a 30-litre plastic jerry can.

“He was seen by watchmen during the night who later alerted the driver of the vehicle who was asleep in front of the car. The watchman and driver shouted for help and members of the general public pounced on him and assaulted him heavily.

“When police rushed to the scene, the deceased was found unconscious and they identified him as one who had just been discharged from prison on similar offences,” he said.

Kaunda said Mndefu was taken to Nkhunga Health Centre where he was referred to Nkhotakota District Hospital. He said Mndefu was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital due to severe head injuries.

“In as far as police appreciates the role that members of the general play in policing; it also condemns the tendency of taking the law into their own hands by beating people who are suspected to have broken the law.