In a statement released Thursday, SPLA-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said Gathok, who was arrested and detained in March, died at Jamus military detention centre in Juba after being subjected to “inhumane treatment” alongside other SPLA/M-IO officers and officials.
Lam alleged that the detainees—described as protection officers for Machar—were “unjustly arrested, tortured, and left for death.”
The statement further claimed that prison authorities denied medical assistance to gravely ill detainees, and in some cases, threw away medicines supplied to them. Lam condemned what he called a violation of international human rights and humanitarian law by the SSPDF.
However, while the report on the death of Gathok can neither be confirmed nor dismissed, questions have emerged over the context of an image the SPLA-IO used to back its claims.
One of the photos shared alongside the statement was originally taken by AFP photojournalist Tony Karumba on November 14, 2011, at Rumbek Central Prison in Lakes State.
The image—widely distributed by Getty Images—depicts an unidentified prisoner with heavy chains padlocked around his ankles. The prison itself dates back to 1948 during the Anglo-Egyptian condominium era.
Why this matters
By repurposing this old photograph as evidence of Luka’s detention, the SPLA-IO risks undermining the credibility of its claims.
While the allegations of torture and death in custody are grave, the use of misleading imagery could cast doubt on the authenticity of the entire statement.
Additionally, visuals shape public perception, but misinformation or misattribution of images can erode trust, especially in the context of South Sudan, where the political environment remains fragile.
