A suspected cattle thief was on Tuesday rescued by community policing officers, who intervened to save him from street justice who had descended on him in Machau village, Mung’ala Sub-location in Machakos County.
The middle-aged man was allegedly found in possession of a cow that had been reported stolen in the village, and was believed to be on his way from Machau village to sell it in Lumbuni, a neighbouring village.
Mung’ala assistant chief Jackline Mbuva confirmed the incident, stating that the man had been warned before about stealing people’s livestock, but to no avail.
“The owner of the cow reported that it was missing, and that’s when the villagers suspected the known animal thief, and their suspects were confirmed after he was found in possession of the cow,” said Mbuva.
“The crowd beat him mercilessly but was fortunately saved by the Community policy officers who arrived to shortly after,” added Mbuva.
Speaking of the victim, one of the villagers explained that the man had been confronted and even taken to court, where he was released on bond, but has not quit since then.
He was later taken to Mung’ala police station by the community policing officers.