E. Investigation launched into the murder of three people in Equatoria

Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State, Southern Kapoeta and Budi County have launched an investigation into the murder of three people at Marira Boma in Ngauro Payam.

The investigation comes after three people were killed and three others were injured when groups of youths from South Kapoeta and Budi clashed at a cattle camp on October 26.

Local officials said the injured are currently being treated at Kapoeta Civil Hospital and Budi Primary Health Centre.

Kapoeta South District Executive Director Justine Juma told Radio Tamazuj that they have launched an investigation into the incident.

Juma said the cause of the clashes between the two communities grazing their animals was unclear.

“Some young people clashed and about 3 people were injured. “They fought where there were clashes before and I can’t tell who started attacking the other,” he added.

The official said the death toll could be much higher.

Ngauro Payam Paramount Chief William Lokang Lotukalem also confirmed the incident but denied the reported death toll and insisted that only one person died.

Lotukalem said youths suspected to be from Southern Kapoeta raided kraals in Marira village, where they clashed with local counterparts who were preventing livestock theft.

The chief called on civilians to live in peace with their neighbors.

Community Participation Development and Resilience (CEDAR) Project Officer Philip Ochieng welcomed the government’s call for justice against the perpetrators of the murders.

He called on the Southern Kapoeta and Budi communities to engage in dialogue and accept compromise as the only way to resolve disputes.