By Ijoo Bosco
Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State have strongly condemned the killing of a South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) soldier in Kimotong payam of Budi County.
The incident occurred on Sunday, drawing widespread outrage from local leaders.
Peter Bosco, a member of parliament representing constituency number 19, expressed his disbelief at the community’s response, stating that it is unacceptable for anyone to take the law into their own hands by killing an innocent person.
“We are shocked that our community could resort to such violence against someone who was merely trying to support his family,” he said.
Bosco acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which the soldier, identified as PVT Chan Jan Chan, met his fate.
He suggested that the assailants may be from Ngauro or nearby areas, stressing need for a thorough investigation.
“This incident is deeply troubling. We cannot allow our communities to resort to violence. The soldier was simply trying to make a living in a challenging economic climate, and now his family is left without support,” he added.
The lawmaker called for immediate action to identify the suspects responsible for the heinous act.
“I urge the Peace and Justice Mission currently operating in Kapoeta to extend their efforts to Camp-15 and the surrounding areas. We cannot ignore such incidents; we must take proactive measures to ensure justice is served,” Bosco stated.
According to reports, PVT Chan was shot while gathering charcoal in Kimotong payam.
Arkanjelo Lokolimoi, the payam administrator, confirmed that the soldier was killed after attempting to escape from his attackers, who had apprehended him at his charcoal-burning site.
“He was shot and knifed after being recaptured by the suspects,” Lokolimoi reported.
South Sudan is currently facing an economic crisis that has left many civil servants and members of the organized forces unpaid for nearly a year.
This dire situation has forced citizens, including soldiers, to seek alternative means of survival.
Local youth have reportedly tracked the suspects’ footprints, leading them to a gold mining area in Ngauro payam, indicating a potential connection between the assailants and ongoing criminal activities in the region.
The community and officials alike are calling for justice and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.