An angry mob in Benjamini Village under Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District has set ablaze a Hijet pick-up vehicle belonging to a man suspected of stealing livestock.
Neno Police spokesperson, Rebecca Msoliza, confirmed the incident, identifying the suspects as Chester Chigadula, 25, and Emmanuel Kameta, 39, both from Kasamba Village in the district.
Msoliza said the incident occurred around 5 PM yesterday when villagers intercepted the vehicle, registration number NN11635, carrying one cow and a goat.
The owner of the cow rushed to the scene and confirmed that the animal belonged to him, which angered the community members and led to the vehicle being torched.
Upon questioning, Kameta, who owns the vehicle, said he had hired it out to Chigadula. Meanwhile, Chigadula claimed he had gone to the area after being invited by a man identified as Eliya Chizula to purchase the livestock.
Police say the two suspects are currently being held at Zalewa Police Station, while authorities are searching for Chizula, who is on the run.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges related to livestock theft.
