SSPDF to try soldier suspected of killing 4 workers

The Chief of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Gen. Santino Deng Wol has vowed to form emergency court martial to try a soldier suspected of killing four construction workers in Warrap State.

“The Chief of Defense Forces General Santino Deng Wol has already initiated paperwork aimed at the formation of emergency court martial so that the suspect is tried,” said Major Gen Lul Ruai Kong during press conference held at Bilpham military headquarters in Juba.

 “The formation of general court marital is the primary responsibility of the chief of defense forces, but has to be approved by H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit in his capacity as commander-in-chief of SSPDF and supreme commander of all organized forces,” he added.

On January 7, three Syrian nationals and a South Sudanese were shot dead by a gunman while building a house of a senior government official in Akon village of Gogrial West of Warrap State.

The army spokesman when probed refused to name the government official and the reason for the shooting.

Kong instead said plans are underway to transport the prime suspect to Juba for further investigation.

The South Sudanese victim is said to be a security guard at the construction site.

Kong said the killer suspect identified as SSPDF private Yak Garang Yak from Tiger Division will be convicted in accordance with national laws and the SSPDF Act 2009.

 “But now that he is in our custody, currently detained at Wunyik the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State,” he said.