SSPDF to investigate ‘disturbing and shocking’ Mayom extrajudicial killing

JUBA – South Sudan army on Tuesday said that it will launch an investigation into the execution of four suspects alleged to be the killers of Mayom County Commissioner.

A video footing surfaced on social media showing uniformed soldiers executing the three via firing squad, while setting Brig. Gen. Gatluak Majiok on fire in a hut to avenge the killing of Mayom County commissioner.

The suspects were blindfolded before about a dozen soldiers opened fire on them at the command of perceived senior officers.

The video circulating on social media saw the ring leader, who was identified as Gatluak Majiok Liey, burned to death alive in a small hut, and three other men killed by a firing squad.

The suspects were arrested by the Sudanese forces in connection to the recent killing of the commissioner of Mayom County and 10 other people.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) spokesman, Major General Lul Ruai, said the execution of prisoners of war is a violation of international human rights.

“The images we are seeing on social media are disturbing and shocking. We don’t have clear information on what has happened but a full investigation is going to be carried out,” Gen. Ruai said.

Ruai said those who are behind the extrajudicial executions will be held accountable.

“Those who are behind extrajudicial execution will be held accountable because since the formation of the SPLA, now SSPDF, it has never been part of our behaviors to catch prisoners of war and execute them,” he said.