Five killed, three wounded in Rumbek over pregnancy case
By Makur Adut
At least five people were killed and three others wounded in a clash between Joth and Monytiek communities of Rumbek Center County in Lakes State.
The State’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, who is also acting Minister of Information, William Koji Kirjok, said the incident involved two sections of Joth and Tiak of Rumbek Centre County, and involved a girl who had been impregnated.
According to the minister, the brothers of the girl that had been impregnated attacked and shot the man hat was responsible for the pregnancy, who later died, and this aggrieved his community and thus led to a fight with the other community where the girl’s brothers hail from.
“They shot the man and he died. This angered his community members and they went for retaliation then a fight started, leading to the death of five people, and injuries to three others,” Kirjok said.
He said the state government had intervened to quell the tension and normalcy has been restored in the area, and warned people against taking law into their hands especially at a time when the communities had customary laws in place to address some of the matters.
“Lakes State has customary laws that guides everyone on what needs to be done in various situations. In case you have a case, whether related to a girl or adultery, there is what to guide. Therefore, there is no need for individuals to take law into their own hands,” he said, adding that any aggrieved individuals can report cases to police for solutions.
“Responsible authorities from Rumbek Centre County can be found here at Mayom Payam. All the leaders of these two sections are given a responsibility to provide security (and address issues) for their people,” he said, warning that those involved will face the full force of the law.
Doctor Terran Madit Terran, from Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed receiving a patient with a gunshot wound.
“We received one patient that evening. He had a gunshot wound in the abdomen. He was in a critical state when he came to the facility. Our team tried their best but unfortunately, we lost the patient during surgery,” he said.
He also confirmed that they received another patient yesterday afternoon, with a gunshot wound in the leg.
“He had bled a lot. I don’t know whether he was shot yesterday (Tuesday) or today (Wednesday), but he arrived here this afternoon. However, we managed to stabilize him,” Dr. Terran said.
Civil society activist in Lakes State, Angelina Adhel Malual, urged members in the community to refrain from violence and allow the government to take up the issues.