By Lodu William

The High Court in Juba has enforced a ruling against a senior general in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) who had illegally seized a civilian plot in Tongping in 2012.

According to a report obtained by this media outlet, the general had made it difficult for the order to be enforced despite the court’s ruling in favor of the civilian owner several years ago.

But yesterday, a joint force of the army and police carried out the demolition of the illegal structure built by the SSPDF general.

The joint operation, which took place at 8:30am, was overseen by numerous authorities.  

The decision to demolish the property follows years of legal battles, which culminated in the High Court’s final judgment.

The court’s ruling has served as a landmark in holding military personnel accountable for land grabbing and violations of property rights.

The controversial case has been closely watched by legal experts and human rights organizations in the country, as it highlights ongoing challenges in South Sudan concerning land disputes and the rule of law.

Local authorities have stressed the importance of upholding the rights of civilians and ensuring that such illegal actions are not tolerated, regardless of an individual’s position in the military or government.

The civilian owner, whose plot was unlawfully occupied, has expressed relief and appreciation for the court’s intervention.