Investigation launched after three deaths in Eastern Equatoria

Authorities in South Kapoeta and Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State have launched an investigation into the murder of three people in Marira Boma, Ngauro Payam.

The investigation began after groups of youth from South Kapoeta and Budi clashed at a cattle station on October 26, resulting in three deaths and three injuries.

Local authorities said the injured are currently being treated at Kapoeta Civil Hospital and Budi Primary Health Centre.

Kapoeta South District Executive Director Justine Juma told Radio Tamazuj that they have launched an investigation into the incident.

Juma said the reason for the clashes as the two communities graze their animals was unclear.

“Some youths clashed and about three people were injured. They fought where there had been previous clashes, and I cannot say who started attacking the other,” he added.

The official said the death toll could be much higher.

Ngauro Payam Paramount Chief William Lokang Lotukalem also confirmed the incident but denied reports of the death toll, insisting only one person was killed.

Lotukalem said the youths, believed to be from South Kapoeta, stormed the kraals in the village of Marira, where they encountered local colleagues who foiled the cattle theft.

The head called on civilians to live in peace with their neighbors.

Community Engagement Development and Resilience Project Manager (CEDAR), Philip Ochieng, welcomed the government’s call for justice against those responsible for the killings.

He called on the communities of Kapoeta South and Budi to engage in dialogue and accept reconciliation as the only means of resolving disputes.