A man from Pumula suburb in Bulawayo is rueing his decision to steal chickens after he was forced to eat one raw with feathers and all when he was caught in the act.
After the thief was caught, he attempted to soften the hearts of the mob by saying he was desperate because of “January disease; a colloquial term that refers to the financial strain many experience at the beginning of the year after splurging during the festive season..
After the thief was caught, he attempted to soften the hearts of the mob by saying he was desperate because of “January disease; a colloquial term that refers to the financial strain many experience at the beginning of the year after splurging during the festive season..
However, his pleas fell on unsympathetic ears, and the merciless group insisted that he either devour the pilfered broiler or endure a severe thrashing.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with source recounted how they observed the young man, whose identity remains undisclosed, hastily attempting to flee from the targeted residence while clutching the stolen broiler chicken in his hands.
The community members gave chase and eventually apprehended him. In a desperate bid to dissuade the angry mob from raining heavy blows on him, the thief reluctantly consumed the uncooked chicken in front of onlookers, all while the scene was recorded by numerous cellphone cameras.
“With blood dripping from the corner of his lips, he would occasionally cough out a feather or two as he screwed up his face like someone swallowing the bitterest gall. The beatings, somehow, were worse for him as he ate the obviously unpalatable meal to stop them. I think he will never eat chicken or white meat again, for as long as he lives,” remarked a resident.
A woman, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that the act of compelling the thief to consume a raw chicken was intended to convey a message and discourage potential wrongdoers.
Following the beating and humiliation, the mob eventually released the thief to return to wherever he had come from, allowing him time to reflect upon the error of his ways.
Source iHarare.com
