By Yang Ater Yang
Soldiers serving with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have reportedly beaten a nurse and a midwife who is a supervisor of Butagok Payam.
The two health workers according to South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association-Rumbek were lashed 150 strokes for crossing over ashes-circled line in Awerial County.
The incident occurred on Tuesday.
Santo Meen, The Chairperson South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) – Rumbek, confirmed the incident to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper yesterday.
He said the frequency and brutality of attacks on health workers in Lakes state by soldiers or army group is extremely concerning, but sadly “something we have become used to here in Rumbek” he voiced their untold suffering in the hands of soldiers.
“Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, soldiers loyal to the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) tortured two health workers along the road to Mingkaman, Yirol” said Meen
According to SSNAMA, the recent victims of soldiers’ brutality against health workers in Lakes state include a midwife who is saving as Midwife Supervisor and the other a clinical officer in charge of Bun-Agok health facility
“The cause of their torture was a matter that they Cross over the circle line drawn by the soldiers. When they were traveling from Bun-Agok to Mingkaman while on motor bike” Meen stated.
The South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association-Rumbek condemned the assault its members saying it is hunting for justice.
“We as South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association – Rumbek strongly condemn this kind of act against health workers and with great support from the Minister of Health at the State and the county commissioner, we are working on for the elements to be brought to book”.
Meanwhile the SSPDF command in Lakes state is yet to response to the accusation brought against its service men.