Tinaye Agere
IN a bizarre incident in Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb, a man’s love for chicken became his source of torment when a vigilant neighbourhood watch group caught him red-handed stealing a bird.
The group then taught him a harsh lesson after they forced him to eat the raw chicken.
In a desperate attempt to escape the mob’s wrath, the thief hastily tore into the bird, with feathers flying in the melee as he tried to fend off heavy blows from the group.
Blaming his actions on the so-called “January disease”, a term used to describe financial challenges after the festive season, he hoped for leniency.
However, the vigilantes showed no mercy.
Pictures of the man biting into the raw chicken, feathers intact, quickly circulated on social media, drawing the public’s attention to the shocking ordeal.
Witnesses reported that the young thief was apprehended while attempting to flee, clutching the stolen chicken.
As the vigilante group meted out its brand of instant justice, the culprit, fearing further punishment, had to consume the live bird. The incident was witnessed by onlookers and recorded on cellphone cameras.
The thief reluctantly devoured the uncooked meat, blood dripping from his lips.
Each bite seemed to evoke horror and disgust.
He could not help but occasionally cough up the chicken’s feathers.
After subjecting the thief to a thorough hiding and public humiliation, the mob eventually released him.
One resident who witnessed the incident said, from the thief’s pained expression as he struggled to consume the unpalatable meal, he may never eat chicken or white meat again.
Another resident said the incident would be deterrent enough for other would-be criminals. — B-Metro
Online Reporter