Watch Moment Area Boys Crucified 19-Year-Old Thief Like Jesus After Being Caught Stealing Toiletries — Video 

A 19-year-old suspected thief has been subjected to mob justice after being caught stealing toiletries within his own community, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns about the dangers of extrajudicial punishment in Ghana.

The young man was apprehended by neighbourhood residents after allegedly stealing packs of tissue rolls, following what appears to be a pattern of petty theft within the community.

Rather than handing him over to the police, those who caught him reportedly took justice into their own hands.

According to accounts of the incident and visuals that have since circulated on social media, the suspect’s hands and legs were bound together in a position widely likened to a crucifixion, rendering him completely immobile.

The stolen tissue rolls were placed visibly beside him as community members proceeded to physically discipline him.

The images have provoked strong and conflicting reactions from the public. While some residents expressed frustration over persistent petty theft in their communities and sympathy for those who feel let down by the formal justice system, many others have condemned the manner of punishment as cruel, degrading, and unlawful.

At the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the suspect had subsequently been handed over to police.

Watch the video HERE.