Warrap governor orders arrest after deaths in military detention

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Warrap State Kuol Muor Muor on Tuesday ordered the arrest of the commander in charge of a military detention facility following the deaths of seven people there.

The seven people died by suffocation on Monday, after being locked in a 20-foot shipping container at a facility belonging to the SSPDF’s 11^th Infantry Division in Kuajok.

The deceased were suspects charged with murder and cattle raiding from Tonj North and Gogrial East counties.

Warrap state information minister, William Wol Mayom, said the governor ordered the arrest of prison commanders, including those on duty during the incident.

“Swiftly, H.E Governor Kuol Muor Muor, ordered the arrest of Brigade 4 Commander, Officers and NCOs in charge of Military Barrack including those on duty during the incident,” Wol said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Wednesday.

Wol added that Governor Muor Muor has formed a one-week investigation committee to probe the tragic deaths of the seven suspects in the military detention facility.

“The committee is headed by the Division (11) Commander and deputized by the Warrap State Attorney General. All Warrap State security agencies are members,” Wol explained.

Wol further stated that the suspects, accused of various crimes, were held in the wrong military facility by the military authorities without informing the state government.

The minister offered condolences to the victims’ families and urged them to be patient while investigations are underway to bring justice.

“A one-week investigation committee was formed by H.E Kuol Muor Muor, to probe the tragic death of seven suspects in the military Prison. The committee is headed by Division (11) Commander and deputized by Warrap State Attorney General, and all Warrap State security agencies are members,” Wol said.