A suspected motorcycle thief narrowly escaped death yesterday after being cornered and beaten by an angry mob. The incident happened in a busy trading center when the man was allegedly caught attempting to steal a parked motorcycle.
Eyewitnesses say the suspect was spotted tampering with the bike before its owner raised an alarm, drawing a large crowd. Within minutes, furious residents descended on him with sticks, stones, and fists, accusing him of being part of a gang that has been terrorizing the area.
The suspect was beaten nearly unconscious, and some members of the mob threatened to set him ablaze. However, local leaders and a few residents intervened, preventing the crowd from carrying out mob justice. Police later arrived at the scene, rescued the badly injured suspect, and rushed him to hospital under tight security.
Authorities have condemned the mob action, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands. Police urged the public to always hand over suspects to law enforcement instead of engaging in violent retribution.
The incident has reignited debate about rising cases of motorcycle theft in the region, with many riders demanding tougher penalties for offenders.
