Cueibet inmate shot dead by prison guard during attempted escape
August 13, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Lakes state’s Cueibet county have shot dead one pastoralist who attempted to escape from a local prison in Abiriu payam (district) on Tuesday.
Another three inmates managed to escape from Abiriu jail, located in the eastern part of Cueibet county, after being held without charge since their arrest last month.
The inmate shot dead is believed to be from Abiriu town.
The four men were suspected were suspected cattle thieves, but an investigation into the allegations had not yet been launched.
An officer from the local criminal investigation department who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the incident, saying that investigations into the allegations of cattle raiding had been delayed due to a lack of investigators on ground.
Local police say state authorities have become increasingly isolated, with the public refusing to share information with law enforcement officers, making in difficult to investigate killings and maintain law and order in the region.
Cases of arbitrary arrest are also on the rise across the state’s eight counties, leading to lengthy delays in court appearances.
Lakes state resident Mayor Muou expressed deep concern over the state’s failure to control rule of law, blaming it for the high incidence of violent crime and revenge killings.
He said “jungle laws” remained widespread in the areas of Greater Rumbek and Greater Yirol counties, with civilians often denied their basic rights.
“It is only in Lakes state government where people are still kept in the prisons for two months without [an] investigation being done,” he said.
“The laws contribute to clan clashes and poor governance [is] still closing their eyes on these issues. Why should we talk of independence when internal marginalisation is still prevailing?” he added.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, three men sustained gunshot wounds and one person reportedly died in clashes suspected to be revenge attacks carried out by the Nyang section of Rumbek Central county against the sub clan of the Rup section.
The clashes erupted in Ayen cattle camp, about 10km away from Rumbek Central county. The three wounded were admitted to Rumbek civil hospital.
(ST)