Police in Thyolo are investigating a case in which a man has been killed by a mob after he was allegedly caught stealing sweet potatoes at Magombo in the early hours of Thursday.

Thyolo Police spokesperson, Sergeant Rabecca Kashoti, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred at around 3 a.m. when the suspected thief was caught in a field belonging to Rahim Banda.

“The owner of the field noticed someone stealing and shouted for help. Villagers responded and severely assaulted the suspect,” explained Kashoti.

She said police officers rushed to the scene after receiving the report and took the man to Thyolo District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“The body is currently at Thyolo District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem,” added Kashoti.

Police have since condemned the act, urging communities to desist from taking the law into their own hands and to report suspects to law enforcement agencies instead.