A fact-finding committee formed by W. Equatoria found Sarawasi culpable.

The fact-finding commission appointed by Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba to probe the accused state minister of housing, lands, and public utilities has completed its investigation and declared the latter guilty.

Governor Futuyo dismissed his lands minister, Simon Peter Sarawasi, two weeks ago for allegedly selling government land in Yambio as well as electrical equipment. The governor then appointed a seven-member commission to examine the accused minister, led by his human rights adviser, Victor James Ndukpo.

Isaac Mursal, the Western Equatoria State communications minister, informed the press on Tuesday that the committee had submitted its findings and that the local government will decide on Minister Sarawasi’s destiny.

“The committee investigated the three summoned officials for three days, including Minister Simon Peter Sarawasi, the director in the land ministry, Simple John Francize, and Engineer Isaac Okwera Alphonse,” he read.

“As such, here are the committee’s findings: Hon. Simon Peter Sarawasi, minister of housing, lands, and public utilities, received the amount of 250,000 SSP from scrap dealer Martin Ndundu.”

“…this demonstrates that Hon. Sarawasi planned to sell the electrical equipment,” he continued.

Minister Mursal said that eight electrical transformers and a generator were retrieved and are now housed at the National Security Services headquarters in Yambio town as evidence to establish the sale of the abovementioned equipment.

He went on to say that the governor will determine the fate of the charged officials following the committee’s findings.

“The committee thus recommends to the governor for a final determination their destiny,” he added.

“With regard to the illicit sale of plots (land), the committee suggested the creation of a technical committee to investigate, and that those who purchased plots from the minister not develop them until the technical committee issues conclusions and recommendations.”

The committee also suggested that Minister Sarawasi restore the money of SSP 250,000 SSP to Martin Ndunu, who paid for scrap, according to Mursal.

“All lands ministry assets that were sold must be restored, and any government properties that are to be auctioned or sold must be brought to the (state) council of ministers for debate and permission,” he added.