Central Equatoria elders urge probe over killing of health officer

June 29, 2006 (YEI, South Sudan) — Elders from central Equatoria state have petitioned the government of southern Sudan to investigate the killing of Yei county health officer, Dr. Natalino Banja Lasuba.

The elders earlier this month sent a petition letter to the president of the government of southern Sudan complaining about the killing, the Sudan Radio Service said.

Dr. Natalino Lasuba was allegedly killed in cold blood in Yei late last month. It is reported that Dr. Lasuba was murdered in the presence of his driver while the two were on their way to town late in the evening.

The elders, comprising members of the southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, are now urging the government of southern Sudan to institute an impartial team to investigate the killing of the doctor.

The petitioners called upon the government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The elders also urged the government to repatriate internally displaced persons living in the area back to their places of origin.

(ST)