In the morning, at the time locals were going to their firms and to attend to their businesses, they found the body of the boy floating on the river.

By Theophilous Ochang

The body of an 18-year-old boy was found floating on River Kineti in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, on Saturday morning.

According to local sources, the deceased hawked clothes in Torit, and had a mental condition.  

Speaking to The City Review on Monday, Kennedy Khemish, the Assistant Director at Safety for Civil Defense in Eastern Equatoria State said the boy had gone to the river on Saturday morning at around 5am to shower in preparation for his business; the place where he would later meet his death.

However, in the morning, at the time locals were going to their firms and to attend to their businesses, they found the body of the boy floating on the river.

“They found his body in the morning (Saturday). They said the boy left home at around 5am and he was going to the river to bath because he has a certain business he was going to do, which is hawking clothes. Unfortunately, it was at the river that he met his death,” Khemish said.

The body was taken to hospital for examination and it was revealed that the deceased may have been shot before he was dumped into the river as his body had a bullet wound.

Authorities have embarked on investigations to uncover the reasons behind the killing, and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Khemish advised locals to always consider moving around in groups, especially during risky hours to prevent such tragic incidences.

“We need to be cautious and avoid moving around alone during risky hours, and if you have to do so, consider moving in groups so that people can easily trace you, protect you or inform the others when anything is going to happen to you,” he said.

The official also raised alarm over the rampant incidences that have been happening along the river.

Last month (December), the dead body of a 40-year-old was found floating in Kineti River a week after he drowned in Himodonge Payam in Torit County. The deceased was on his way home when he slid into the river.

The incident was preceded by the drowning of a 48-year-old widow and mother of six, who, according to sources, struggled to cross the river with firewood for sale on her head when she slid and fell into the water. Her body was recovered after two days. 

Utilities

“They found his body in the morning (Saturday). They said the boy left home at around 5am and he was going to the river to bath and to head to his business of hawking clothes,” Kennedy Khemish, the Assistant Director at Safety for Civil Defense in Eastern Equatoria State.