Jailed ram released from custody, slaughtered by owner

Police in Lakes State confirmed that the ram which was arrested for knocking a 45-year-old woman to death was slaughtered by the owner after being released from custody.

In a dramatic twist of events in May, a customary court in Rumbek East County, Lakes State, sentenced the ram to two weeks in jail and also fined the owner of a ram to pledge five cows as blood compensation to the deceased family, a judgement on which both parties agreed.

Elijah Mabor Makuach, Police Spokesperson told Juba Echo that the ram was released earlier after the owner paid five cows as blood compensation to the deceased family.

Mabor revealed that the owner of the ram proceeded to slaughter it to avoid a repeat of a similar phenomenon.

 “According to the latest information I have this morning, the ram was killed at the home as a sacrifice for a small god according to tradition. The killer ram is no longer with us,” he said.

Earlier, Lakes State Police authorities said that the ram will remain under police custody for at least two weeks to allow the owner to pay the due fines.

“It will remain in custody in the meantime. Either the court will decide to release the ram to be given to the owner or it will be kept until the fine is paid,” he said.

However, the police spokesperson said the ram was released and slaughtered after the owner cleared the compensation requirement involving the payment of five cows to the deceased.