Five family members, chief arrested in Lakes state
October 6, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Lakes state have arrested an executive chief and five members of one family in connection with last week’s killing of a South Sudan army (SPLA) soldier.
The killing prompted the arrest of Mawat Mangar, the executive chief of the Bher Dinka section, and five members from the family of one Kedit Mamer.
An official from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said he suspects the soldier was a victim of revenge killing.
The caretaker governor of Lakes state, on Sunday, verbally instructed the SPLA to arrest entire family members of Kedit, whom he accused of having a hand in the soldier’s death.
A state official, who requested anonymity, said that family of Kedit, including a 13-year old lad, were collected from Ager-gum market and taken into military cell on Sunday afternoon.
But, a family member interviewed by Sudan Tribune, denied any involvement in the incident.
Relatives of the arrested chief also claim he was tortured by the SPLA and remains in critical condition.
Abraham Mayen Kuc, the Rumbek Central county commissioner confirmed the arrest of the five family members, but said the matter had been reported to Governor Matur Choul Dhoul.
In June this year, a member from the same family was arrested in connection with tribal clashes in the region, tortured in Langcok military cell, till he died from multiple injuries.
Despite repeated calls for an election by activists and criticism of Dhuol’s harsh tactics in addressing insecurity, President Salva Kiir insists Dhoul will remain in power for the foreseeable future.
President Kiir, while speaking at a recent rally in Rumbek freedom square, said the caretaker military governor will be kept in power for the time being.
Under South Sudan’s transitional constitution, however, an election should have taken place within three months of Kiir sacking Dhuol’s predecessor, Chol Tong Mayay in January 2013.
(ST)