Mob Sets Suspected Criminal Ablaze, Leaves Another Injured in Eastern Province

A 32-year-old man is fighting for his life at St. Francis Mission Hospital after an angry mob allegedly doused him with petrol and set him on fire, while another man sustained serious injuries after the pair were suspected of engaging in criminal activity.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and was reported to police approximately 45 minutes later, according to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba.

Police identified the victims as Asan Zulu, 32, and Gideon Soko, 29.

According to Mr. Mweemba, the incident began when 26-year-old motorcycle taxi rider Elliot Phiri was hired by Zulu to transport him to a nearby bar.

While travelling near Golden View Lodge, Phiri allegedly noticed two men ahead—one carrying a screwdriver and a backpack, and another armed with a knife. Suspecting that a robbery was about to take place, he abandoned the trip and alerted fellow motorcycle taxi riders.

The riders, together with nearby residents, mobilised and confronted the suspects.

Police say Zulu was found in the company of Soko and a third man, who managed to escape during the confrontation.

A search of Soko's backpack allegedly uncovered a screwdriver, a face mask and an extra T-shirt, prompting the crowd to assault the two men.

According to police, members of the mob allegedly poured petrol on Zulu before setting him ablaze, while Soko was beaten with a screwdriver.

Zulu sustained severe burns to his back and right arm, cuts to his left eye and shoulder, as well as multiple other injuries. He remains admitted to St. Francis Mission Hospital in critical condition.

Soko, who suffered head injuries during the assault, was treated at the hospital before being discharged into police custody.

Mr. Mweemba said police have opened investigations into both the mob attack and the suspected criminal activities involving the two men.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the mob assault, while police have launched a manhunt for the third suspect who fled the scene.