A 32-year-old suspected criminal is fighting for his life at St. Francis Mission Hospital after an angry mob allegedly set him ablaze during a vigilante attack in Katete District, while another suspect was left with serious injuries after the pair were accused of engaging in criminal activities.
The incident occurred around 20:30 hours on Saturday in Ibex Compound and was reported to Katete Police Station approximately 45 minutes later.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba identified the victims as Asan Zulu, 32, and Gideon Soko, 29, both residents of Ibex Compound.
According to police, Zulu sustained severe burns on his back and right arm after members of the public allegedly poured petrol on him and set him on fire. He also suffered cuts to his left eye, shoulder and multiple other injuries during the attack.
Soko suffered serious head injuries after he was allegedly assaulted with a screwdriver by the mob.
Mweemba said the incident began when motorcycle taxi rider Elliot Phiri, 26, was hired by Zulu to transport him to a named bar in Katete.
While travelling near Golden View Lodge, the rider reportedly noticed two men walking ahead, one carrying a backpack and screwdriver while the other allegedly had a knife.
“Fearing for his safety, he asked his passenger to disembark and immediately alerted fellow motorcycle riders,” Mweemba said.
The motorcycle riders quickly mobilised fellow residents, who confronted the group and reportedly found Zulu together with Soko and a third suspect, who managed to escape.
Police said a search of Soko’s backpack allegedly uncovered a screwdriver, a face mask and an extra T-shirt, raising suspicion among members of the public.
The situation quickly turned violent as the crowd allegedly descended on the two suspects. Zulu was reportedly doused in petrol and set on fire, while Soko was severely beaten.
The injured men were later taken to Katete Stores Police Post, where police issued medical report forms before they were rushed to St. Francis Mission Hospital for treatment.
According to Mweemba, Zulu remains admitted in critical condition, while Soko has since been discharged into police custody.
Police have launched investigations into both the suspected criminal activities and the vigilante attack that nearly claimed Zulu’s life.
No arrests have so far been made in connection with the mob assault, while police have also launched a manhunt for the third suspect who escaped during the confrontation.
The Zambia Police Service has repeatedly warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging citizens to report suspected criminals to law enforcement authorities instead of resorting to mob justice, which is itself a criminal offence.