KUAJOK – A man accused of stealing 15 cows from Mayom County in Unity State has been detained in Aweng Payam, Twic County of Warrap, after a week-long search, local officials have confirmed.
The suspect allegedly fled with the animals into Twic, prompting authorities in Mayom to alert their counterparts across the border. The livestock was later recovered following directives from Division 11 commander, Romea Atak Mangok.
Mangok told this publication that the operation successfully led to the arrest of the unnamed suspect and the recovery of all 15 cows.
“We have detained the suspect, and the cows are with us after being notified by Mayom authorities. We need peace dividends to yield fruit. Such elements fuel problems between the two communities, and we will make sure he serves a jail term according to the law,” Mangok stated.
The cattle were handed over to Aweng spiritual leader, Gai Machiek, reportedly under instruction from Mayom County officials.
“The officials in Mayom county told us to hand over the cows to Gai-Machiek, the spiritual leader, although we don’t know his background or allegiance to the cattle owners,” Mangok added.
Machiek is a well-known spiritual figure in Twic County. He reportedly fled from Mayom years ago and is widely believed to have been involved in spiritual rituals linked to communal conflicts. Some local voices also claim he has played a role in tensions between Twic and Abyei communities.
Machiek was previously ordered by national authorities to leave Twic in attempts to ease conflicts, a request that was strongly opposed by local communities.
