Jacob Mathiang, who worked at the University of Juba’s Directorate of Engineering and Construction Management, was attacked at around 2:00 p.m. by soldiers alleged to be bodyguards of Gen. Garang Ayii, a senior officer at SSPDF headquarters in Bilpam.
According to Bol Dhoruai Benjamin, the Deputy Director of Engineering and Construction Management at the University of Juba, the 26-year-old had left his office around 11:00 a.m. before the fatal incident. Eyewitnesses said the soldiers descended on him in broad daylight, beating him severely and inflicting critical head injuries.
“Indiscipline SSPDF soldiers killed Eng. Jacob Mathiang by attacking him in mobs at Thongpiny. After beating him half-dead with serious injuries to the head, their commander later ordered them to take him to the hospital,” Dhoruai wrote in a Facebook post.
Doctors reportedly attempted surgery on Mathiang’s fractured skull, but he succumbed to internal bleeding later that night.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. One soldier, now under arrest, claimed Mathiang insulted them by calling them “stupid” as he passed their vehicle.
“The soldiers suddenly stopped, came out of their car, and attacked him. When Jacob collapsed unconscious, they fled the scene,” said another source who preferred to be anonymous.
But an eyewitness who recognised the soldiers called Gen. Garang and told him his bodyguards had assaulted someone. The general then ordered them to return and take him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mathiang graduated in November 2022 from the University of Juba with an honours degree in civil engineering. He was later employed by the university, where colleagues say he showed exceptional talent and dedication.
“It is with deep sadness that I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Engineer Jacob Mathiang. His passing is a great loss not only to his loved ones but to the university community and the nation,” Dhoruai said.
Mathiang’s killing is a reflection of the unprecedented level of indiscipline and impunity within the South Sudanese armed forces.
