According to reports, the suspects allegedly broke into a local supermarket at night and carted away goods worth millions of shillings. The theft was discovered early in the morning when residents found the premises with its doors smashed and shelves emptied.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with locals vowing to track down those behind the raid. Area administrators confirmed that members of the public mounted a search that led them to the suspects’ hideout, where stolen items were reportedly recovered.
The suspects were dragged to Kaathi trading centre, where angry residents attacked and set them ablaze in broad daylight. Police officers arrived shortly after but found the trio already dead. The charred bodies were later taken to the Machakos County Referral Hospital Mortuary.
Authorities condemned the mob justice, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands. They stressed that such actions not only hinder investigations but also constitute a criminal offence.
The incident has reignited debate on increasing crime rates in trading centres across Machakos and neighbouring areas, with fresh calls for enhanced patrols and stronger community policing initiatives to protect residents and businesses from criminal gangs.
