Elderly couple burned alive over witchcraft

A couple accused of being responsible for "mysterious crocodile attacks" was assaulted and burned alive by a mob in Malawi.

According to Nyasa Times, the couple was burned to ashes while screaming begging for mercy.

Police said three people had been killed by a crocodile in a near by river and villagers believed that the reptile belongs to the victims.

The couple was identified as a 76-year-old man, Taipi Vinkhumbo, of Mtendere village Traditional Authority Kyungu and a 65-year-old woman, Marinara Vinkhumbo, of Mwanyesha village in the same area.

Karonga Police Spokesperson Enock Livasoni told the publication that "the couple was being suspected of practicing witchcraft due to the death of three people who were attacked by crocodile for the past three weeks."

Livasoni said the elderly couple was "assaulted and then the mob took them to their home kitchen where they burned the victims inside. We only found ashes and no body."

It is also reported that the victims were screaming begging for mercy saying they have not committed any sin.