South Sudan court condemns man to death by hanging for killing Nimule Chief

A mobile court has condemned a man to death by hanging for the murder of a chief last month in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State.

Laat Matuach was convicted guilty of murdering Chief Ebele John while attending a fundraising function for the burial of two victims of a shooting in Mugali Payam a few days previously.

During the incident, two mourners were allegedly injured. Another perpetrator, Atit Makuach, was sentenced to three years in jail for his involvement in the horrific violence.

On Thursday afternoon, Godfrey Victor Bulla, an advocate who represented the victims’ relatives, confirmed the court verdict.

“The court issued its final decision, sentencing the first accused to death by hanging by the neck until he died for violating Section 206.” The second accused was sentenced to three years in jail beginning on July 11, twenty-two.”

Lawyer Victor urged the relatives of the inmates and complainants to refrain from any action that may lead to communal violence.

“As you are aware, Nimule is a violent place. We chose to inform both the accused and the complainants’ sides, where the chief is from, that any obligation is an individual one.”

He further said that the subject is solely the duty of the person and has nothing to do with any group, clan, or sect.

“The matter is personal, and the accused will be held accountable for their conduct.” We urge for calm, for peace, and for ongoing collaboration.”

“We urge on all parties to refrain from any action that would generate violence in the community, and we warn them that whomever takes the law into his or her own hands will not be protected by the law.”

Steward Women organized the mobile court, which was funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The inmates’ defense attorney has fifteen days to file an appeal against the verdict.