“No sooner had she left to get him water than the man ducked into the bathroom, where he hurriedly picked and pocketed an undergarment belonging to the mother forcing the child to raise alarm,” explained the source.
The scream attracted neighbours to the scene, where they managed to arrest the suspect.
“In fact the suspected thief attempted to leave his motorbike behind by turning on his heels, but was easily overpowered by the excited crowd,” added the source.
A prompt search found several women panties, of all sizes including for children, stashed in the man’s trouser and jacket pockets as well as in a small bag on his motorbike.
The incident drew the wrath of several local women from Kona Mbaya and Majengo villages who were irked on watching their underpants spread out for public scrutiny.
“This exactly is spreading our dirty linen in public,” one of them was overheard mumbling.
Administration police officers at Mabusi camp in conjunction with Matunda Sub Location Assistant Chief, Mr. Joseph Shikuku rescued the suspect from the irate crowd before whisking him away for investigation.
Shocked residents condemned the bizarre incident, with several of them connecting the same to witchcraft.
“No wonder we have been hearing numerous stories about women panties being used to concoct illicit liquor, ostensibly to brewers attract as many customers as possible,” alleged another woman.