By Austin Nsalira

Five people are in police custody in Mchinji on allegations that they masterminded the murder of Maxwell Weston, 35, who was assaulted to death by an angry mob, on suspicion that he stole five chickens.

The suspects have been identified as Charles Gidala, who is the owner of the chickens, Chimtumbira Njanje, 33, Happy Juma, 28, Dala Nkhoma, 29 and Zakeyo Yofumaki, 25.

“We are irked by the acts of mob justice and appeal to the public to avoid taking the laws into their own hands as mob justice is not only illegal but also jeopardizes crime investigation,” said Limbani Mpinganjira, Mchinji police spokesperson

Maxwell Weston hailed from Chidaona Village under Traditional Authority Kawere in Mchinji District.