Prisoner tortured to death in Rumbek military prison: sources

June 16, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Sources in the Lakes state capital Rumbek claim a man was tortured to death on Saturday night in Langcok military prison, while a number of other inmates remain in critical condition suffering from torture wounds.

Family members and security sources have confirmed that 24-year-old Matur Kedit Mamer died as a result of his injuries, adding that guards at the military prison buried him before sending a letter to the executive chief informing him of the death.

A close relative of Mamer said when they arrived at Langcok prison to deliver food soldiers refused to allow them to enter.

“They beat us and tell us that your son is dead”, said one family member, who requested not to be named.

Mamer was arrested and imprisoned in Lakes state’s Rumbek Correctional Prison Service after inter-communal violence in Luak-Makuer Gol, 34km north-east of Rumbek Central county.

The clashes in November left more than 12 people dead, while 23 other people suffered gunshot wounds.

A security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Mamer was tortured and suffered injuries to his kidneys, heart and neck. He later passed away as a result.

The officer said measures would be taken, but did not provide further details about who would be questioned about the man’s death.

The ex-chief of Nyang section, Mawat Mangar Gurke, said he was shock after receiving letter confirming that death of Mamer.

Mangar said he was shocked by the incident and requested to be given until investigate the circumstances before making further comment.

“My mind is completely being disordered by this dead – let me speak on Monday. This is bad situation that would not allow me to comment”, he said.

On 28 May, Sudan Tribune made a secret visit to Langcok military prison, obtaining a series of photos reflecting of evidence serious torture suffered by inmates.

More than 150 inmates were arrested over accusations of cattle raiding, inter-communal violence and highway robberies.

The majority were arrested arbitrarily by senior government officials and are being held without charge.

The state government has blocked human rights activists from accessing the secret prisons.

On Thursday, 104 inmates were transferred for hard labour at the secret Ajakangau (Ngangtinga) military cell located in the western part of Lakes state’s Cueibet county.

Security forces reportedly used force against the prisoners after they went on a hunger strike.

Lakes state politics were thrown in to turmoil in January after South Sudanese president Salva Kiir removed elected governor Chol Tong Mayay and appointed military caretaker governor Maj. Gen Matur Chut Dhuol in his place to reform security in the region.

The measures Dhuol has introduced include:

• Creating a military prison at Langcok in the northern of Rumbek Central county.

• Denying those arrested on suspicion of involvement in cattle raiding and inter-communal violence access to lawyers and human rights officials.

• Warning the commissioners of all eight counties that they will be sacked of they fail to confront cattle raiders and bring them to justice.

• Threatening to close Lakes state’s legislative assembly if politicians continue to debate political issues.

• Banning alcohol from being sold in Lakes state apart from at six specific hotels.

• Requiring that all firearms in the state be registered.

(ST)