Irate people in the commercial capital Blantyre on Monday night took the law into their own hands by burning to death suspected thief.

The incident happened in Chinyonga Township in Blantyre.

According to an eyewitness who rushed to the scene, told this publication that the suspect was being accused of stealing the handbag which contained two smart phones, money amounting to K40,000 from a lady at Chinyonga bus stop.

Before setting ablaze the suspect, the angry mob took time to play around with the suspect by among other things beating him severely.

Currently the body of the suspected thief is at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

Meanwhile police are yet to identify the deceased.