Lake state “spiritual” hut burnt to the ground

April 8, 2015 (RUMBEK) – A spiritual hut used by traditionalists in South Sudan’s Lakes state has been burnt down by unknown perpetrators, authorities confirmed.

Lakes state security advisor, Marial Malek said that the burning of the hut signal could spark violence, vowing that state authorities would do everything possible to bring the culprits involved to justice.

“The holy hut was burnt on Monday. The Security are suspecting the Rup section to have carried out this act,” said Malek, adding that they were searching for those involved.

The Rumbek Central county commissioner, Mawet Manuer had to deploy extra police to prevent further attacks over the burnt hut.

The hut was used for traditional sacrificial ceremonies and was a well-known sanctuary for soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) during the long civil war with Sudan.

Lakes state activists in have openly criticised the state government for their alleged failure to capture those who burnt the holy hut.

Last Saturday, two people were burnt to death in the same spiritual house and seven huts around the house were also burnt to the ground.

(ST)