By Twink Jones Gadama
A shocking incident of mob justice has left a 21-year-old woman, Carolyn Suleman, fighting for her life at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with severe petrol fire burns.
The vicious attack occurred on September 15, 2024, at Malangalanga, Lilongwe, after three men accused her of facilitating an Airtel Money transfer to an unknown trickster.
The suspects, identified as Doud Yasin, 38, Francis Sadik, 31, and Alfred Phiri, 30, allegedly set Carolyn ablaze using petrol siphoned from their employer’s power generator.
The brutal act has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the dangers of vigilantism and the need for justice to be served through legal channels.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when Carolyn received a phone call from an unknown person instructing her to visit an Airtel Money agent to withdraw cash.
Unbeknownst to her, the caller was allegedly a trickster who had manipulated her into facilitating a transaction totaling K800,000 (eight hundred thousand kwacha) to different contacts.
Carolyn approached Doud Yasin, an Airtel Money agent at Mungo within Malangalanga location, to complete the transaction.
However, when Yasin demanded payment, Carolyn denied having cash, claiming she had unknowingly facilitated the conversation between the trickster and Yasin.
Enraged, Yasin dragged Carolyn into a storeroom at Mungo Premier Bet shop, where he worked, along with his accomplices, Francis Sadik and Alfred Phiri.
The trio allegedly assaulted Carolyn before dousing her with petrol and setting her ablaze.
“It was a horrific scene,” said an eyewitness. “The victim was screaming for help as the suspects dragged her into the storeroom.
Moments later, flames engulfed the room, and Carolyn stumbled out, badly burned.”
The victim was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where she remains in critical condition with life-threatening burns covering her body.
The suspects have been arrested and will soon face charges of Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm.
Their actions have sparked outrage, with many condemning the brutal revenge attack.
“This is unacceptable,” said a local resident. “Mob justice has no place in our society. The law should be allowed to take its course.”
The incident highlights the growing concern of Airtel Money scams and the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
However, experts warn that vigilantism is not the solution.
“Mob justice only perpetuates a cycle of violence and undermines the rule of law,” said a legal expert. “It’s crucial to report suspicious activities to the authorities and allow them to handle the situation.”
As Carolyn fights for her life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mob justice and the importance of upholding the law.
The brutal attack on Carolyn Suleman is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of vigilantism.
It is essential that justice is served through legal channels, ensuring that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions while protecting the rights and safety of all citizens.
