A suspected notorious thief identified as Yaw Okyere, alias Pazito, has been busted by some residents of Bibiani-Old Town in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai municipality of the Western North region.

The 24-year-old was nabbed on Tuesday when he attempted to steal a jackpot gaming machine.

The machine was said to have been loaded with an amount of ¢200, all coins, which is believed to be his main target.

Sources say Okyere was used as a scapegoat to serve as a deterrent to others.

Pazito was spared from being lynched and was offered to weed acres of bushy land around the community.

The assemblyman for the area, Zakari Mubarik, who rescued the suspect, told Adom News that his reign seeks to eradicate the mindset of instant justice.

He added that a large acre was apportioned to the alleged thief to weed as punishment for his attempt to steal.

After weeding in the scorching sun for hours, Pazito was made to rest, and he was served a bowl of the meal before his release.

Mr Mubarik, explaining the intent of such a decision, said most crimes are caused by poverty or lack of jobs.

Rather than treat the suspects harshly, he said he has put it before some executives to implement the communal labour agenda for suspected criminals.