South Sudan Police personnel patrolling the streets of Rumbek town [©Gurtong]
By Gabriel Mayom
RUMBEK, 1st February, 2012 [Gurtong] – Lakes State authorities have captured a deserted solider from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) attached to division 5 who allegedly killed a Ugandan businessman earlier today in Rumbek, the State capital.
The soldier, Mr. Pabek Mackuac was identified as a deserter from the Abyei SPLA unit under the command of division 5.
The Rumbek Central County Commissioner Matur Majok Magol said that Pabek Mackuac is responsible for the death of a Ugandan businessman Mr. Francis who was killed early morning today at 5:30am. Commissioner Matur noted that the businessman’s killing will be treated as a homicide case between Mr. Pabek family and the Ugandan community. The State government will make sure that the rule of law is respected.
According to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Rumbek Central police station, Pabek was under influence of alcoholic during the incidence. The solder demand ransom in cash from the Ugandan businessman but the late Francis opted to give him a bank cheque. Pabek is said to have denied the cheque and killed Francis instantly.
Pabek then escaped to his rural village but Lakes State security operatives managed to capture him at the gunpoint while hiding at his family house.
“The joint South Sudan police pursued and captured him in his village about 30 kilometres away from Rumbek Central County. Magol said that the solider will face the justice system. The County authorities are planning to transport the body of the Ugandan businessman back to his country tomorrow morning,” the Commissioner said.
The State has recorded several incidents of foreigners being killed since 2007 during the term of Governor Daniel Awet Akot.
The Lakes State Local Government Minister said that security measures to protect both South Sudanese and foreigners in Rumbek town will be a priority following the incidence.