In a tragic incident in Chisamba, Zambia, a suspected cattle rustler was lynched by a mob after allegedly murdering a local farmer who had been pursuing him to recover stolen livestock.

The suspect, identified as Starner Kabeba from Lusaka’s John Laing area, is said to have fatally stabbed Emmanuel Nene, a 32-year-old resident of Katelele village in Chief Chamuka’s area.

The Central Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer, Lemekani Chirwa, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 02:00 hours on Saturday in Nene’s village. According to Mr. Chirwa, the tragic events unfolded when Mr. Nene encountered three men, including Kabeba, who were moving two cows in the opposite direction as he returned home late on Friday at around 23:00 hours.

Suspecting them to be cattle rustlers, Mr. Nene promptly alerted Manix Chisumpa, a member of the village’s community crime prevention unit (CCPU). Mr. Chisumpa joined Nene in pursuing the suspects.

“As they continued their pursuit, Kabeba reportedly slowed down to defend his accomplices. When Nene came face to face with Kabeba, the latter allegedly unleashed a knife and attacked Nene, inflicting deep cuts on his right shoulder and stomach,” Mr. Chirwa explained.

By this time, members of the public had joined the chase, and upon apprehending Kabeba, they swiftly mobilized and subjected him to mob justice, beating him to death.

Police are investigating the incident and further details are expected as the case unfolds. The community has been urged to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to report crimes to the authorities for proper legal action.