An Activist has called for Justice in an incident where a child was suspected to have been detained and died in the custody in Eastern Equatoria state.
Last week it was alleged that guards of Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore toured and detained a young boy till he scummed to death.
However, Eastern Equatoria Information Minister Elia John Ahaji denied in a statement that the governor’s guards were involved.
He claimed that there was no credible evident that the boy was torture by governors’ bodyguards citing that the investigation is on to find out what led to the death.
In a call for Justice, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), called for an independent investigation.
Many expressed since the governor’s body guards are suspected in the killing there is need for independent investigation to avoid interference from the Authority.
The Prominent human rights activist Manyang strongly condemned the killing of a child under unclear circumstances allegedly involving the bodyguards of the Governor in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
The activist revealed that according to the credible sources who reached out to him in Torit town, figures are pointing at governors’ office hence there is need for justice to take its course rather than justice delayed.
Manyang called for an immediate and transparent investigation, accountability, and justice for the grieving family.
“This tragic incident is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Ter Manyang.
“The life of an innocent child has been lost, and those responsible must be held accountable without delay. The rule of law must apply to everyone, regardless of position or power.” He added.
Manyang urged national authorities, the Ministry of Justice, and independent human rights institutions to urgently intervene, investigate the case, and ensure that justice is served transparently and impartially.
“This is not only about one child, but about the safety of every South Sudanese citizen, “Impunity cannot be allowed to continue if we are to build a just and peaceful nation.” He added
Last week the family of a 12-year-old boy who died after being detained by security forces in South Sudan’s Torit town demanded for justice, alleging the boy was brutally beaten in custody.
The boy, identified as Peace Paul Arkangelo, was taken from his home in the early hours of June 1 by armed men whom locals say were guards of Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore. Witnesses allege the officers severely beat the child before he died in custody.
However, Torit Mayor Oyito Baptist Soforonio and Eastern Equatoria Information Minister Elia John Ahaji denied in a joint statement that the governor’s guards were involved.
Soforonio said security forces were targeting criminal gangs accused of violence and weapons possession. He confirmed a boy had died in custody but denied mistreatment.
The grieved says that there is credible evidence he was tortured and thus investigations should be ongoing.
