A horrifying case of mob justice has been recorded in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, where a suspected goat thief was burnt to death and his accomplice arrested by police at Marban after they allegedly stole several goats and sheep from Esaso, a nearby community.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the two suspects, believed to be part of a livestock-stealing syndicate, reportedly used a Pregio commercial vehicle to transport their stolen animals. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects managed to load six goats and six sheep into the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene after their criminal act.
However, their escape was short-lived. Residents of Esaso, upon realizing the theft, raised an alarm and organized a swift pursuit of the suspects. The chase, which covered several kilometers and passed through a number of communities, drew the attention of residents in nearby Marban, where the fleeing suspects were eventually intercepted.
In an interview with OTEC News Reporter, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, some eyewitnesses recounted that the angry crowd at Marban blocked the suspects’ path, pulled them out of the vehicle, and subjected them to severe beatings. The mob, fueled by anger and frustration over persistent livestock theft in the area, later set the vehicle ablaze — resulting in one of the suspects being burnt to death at the scene.
The other suspect managed to escape from the mob’s wrath but was later apprehended by police officers, who swiftly moved in to prevent further violence. The Adankwame Police Command subsequently took charge of the situation, recovering the stolen animals and transporting the deceased’s body to the morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Police sources confirmed the incident, stating that investigations have commenced into both the alleged theft and the mob killing. The surviving suspect, currently in custody, is assisting with investigations to help identify the deceased and uncover possible accomplices linked to the theft operation.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, condemned the mob action and urged residents to desist from taking the law into their own hands. “No matter the crime committed, mob justice is illegal and undermines our justice system. We appeal to the public to report all criminal activities to the police for the law to take its course,” the officer emphasized.
Community leaders at Marban have also expressed concern over the incident, describing it as regrettable and avoidable. They called for intensified police patrols and community vigilance to curb the rising incidents of animal theft in the area.
Meanwhile, the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to bring all those involved in the mob action to justice, while also addressing the broader issue of livestock theft that has been troubling local communities.
The incident has left residents of both Esaso and Marban deeply unsettled, reigniting public debate about the dangers of mob justice and the need for stronger law enforcement to restore public confidence in the legal system.
