Drunken soldier commits suicide after shooting spree at wedding party in Aweil

By Hou Akot Hou

A soldier attached to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Monday night committed suicide after firing volley of bullets in the air during wedding party held in Aweil East County.

Eye witnesses said the soldier Mou Atuer Mou, was under influence of alcohol by the time he fired volley of bullets in the air in celebratory mood.

Mou on learning that four children were injured by the stray bullets felt distressed and committed suicide in the nearby bush.

 Daniel Aluat Yak, the police officer of Malualbaai payam where the incident occurred, said that the deceased soldier is a relative of the bride and had been invited to provide security at the wedding.

 “These are wounded soldiers who happen to be in the village with their weapons. They selected themselves to go and provide protection to the people in the party. In the process they got drunk and started shooting in the air while celebrating,” Yak said.

“He (Mou) was shooting using one hand and unfortunately the bullet hit four children, and he thought he had killed them and started running away into the bush where he took his own life,” added Yak.

He said the four injured children were rushed to Malualkon hospital where they are currently being treated.

Yak said that the three accomplices of Mou are being held at Mangok Lou police station for investigation.

He warned the public against organizing parties without inviting police.

“Never organize a wedding party without involving the police who could help in giving you proper protection. Now that man is a relative of the girl whose marriage was being conducted, and he got drunk and started shooting randomly in celebration till he almost killed the young girls,” Yak said.