An irate mob assaulted to death two suspected thieves identified as Patrick Amisi, 26, and Everson Chigamba on suspicion that they broke into a barbershop and stole 18 cellphones in Nsanje.

The district’s police spokesperson, Sub-Inspector Agnes Zalakoma, said the police were notified bout the incident and officers rushed to the scene.

“our officers rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the second victim who was immediately taken to Nsanje district hospital. The deceased was reported to have escaped for his safety before the police arrived,” said Zalakoma.

Zalakoma said the second victim breathed his last soon after arriving at Nsanje district hospital.

Amisi and Chigamba, both came from Chilembwe village under Traditional Authority Tengani in the district.