A 32-year-old man has been hospitalised with severe burns and another in police custody after being attacked and assaulted by a mob in Katete District for being suspected to be criminals.
Asan Zulu, 32 and Gideon Soko, 29 both of Ibex Township were attacked by a mob that suspected them of being criminals of motorbikes on July 18, 2026.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba the incident was triggered earlier when Eliot Phiri, 26, a motorbike delivery rider was transporting Zulu from Wadens Bar to Ibex Township.
Near Golden View Lodge, Mr. Phiri spotted two men ahead one holding a screwdriver and wearing a backpack, the other carrying a knife.
Sensing danger, he ordered his passenger to dismount and rushed to alert fellow bikers.
A mob quickly mobilised and confronted the suspects.
An unidentified third person fled. When searched Gideon Soko’s backpack allegedly contained a screwdriver, a mask and an extra T-shirt.
Enraged, the mob poured Asan Zulu petrol, set him ablaze using matches and assaulted Soko with a screwdriver.
Zulu sustained burns on his back and right arm, a cut on his left eye, and general body pains.
He remains admitted at St. Francis Mission Hospital.
Soko suffered head cuts and is detained in police custody.
No arrests have been made as a manhunt for the fleeing suspect continues.
By Samuel Khwawe
