ONE man has been killed by a mob after it was alleged that he stole some items valued at K3,250 from Eden University students at a boarding house.

In a statement, Monday, police spokesperson Esther Katongo said Chisanga Mwila, 32, was killed around 04:50 hours, Monday morning.

Katongo said police had since launched investigations into the matter, adding that it was illegal for members of the public to take the law in their own hands to execute mob justice.

“One male adult suspected to have stolen items from students at Lusaka’s Eden University has been murdered by a mob, which descended on him. The deceased has been identified as Chisanga Mwila aged, 32. This occurred on 5th October, 2020, around 04:50 hours along Twikatane Road where the deceased is reported to have jumped into the wall fence of a boarding house in Twikatane, occupied by eight students from Eden University, and stole an Acer laptop, Techno phone and an Infinix phone, all valued at K3,250, property of the students,” stated Katongo.

“The alert students caught up with the deceased as he attempted to flee over the wall fence, while calling for help and this attracted other members of the community who descended on the suspect. The relatives of the deceased person who stayed nearby rushed the suspect to Matero Level One Hospital where he was confirmed dead. He sustained multiple deep cuts on the body. Police visited the scene where blood-stained sticks, planks and stones were found and collected. The body has since been taken to UTH mortuary for postmortem, while the alleged stolen items were recovered. An inquiry file has been opened. We appeal to the members of the public to always surrender suspects to police as opposed to murdering them. All those that would be found wanting for murder will be dealt with accordingly.”