SSPDF denies links to cleric’s killing, vows probe

South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) has refuted links to the recent abduction and killing of a cleric in the Diocese of Lainya, Central Equatoria Internal Province.

“It is highly unlikely that our forces were responsible for such killings. The accusations are serious and as a result, the [SSPDF] will carry out investigations so that we clear out our name,” said SSPD Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.

Koang’s statement came after Archbishop Dr Paul Paul Yugusuk accused the force of being behind the killing of Gumbiri Parish priest, Rev.Cosmas Kwaje Matayoa, of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

“I regret to inform all you, that today June 1, 2021, the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSPDF) arrested and killed Rev. Cosmas Kwaje Matayo, a parish priest of Gumbiri…in a cold blood,” he said.

Yugusuk explained that Rev. Cosmas Kwaje Matayo was arrested while presiding over church service on Sunday, May 30, and taken way alongside four other church members. The others included Simo Elekima (10-year-old Sunday schoolboy), Moses Wani Daniel (church elder and a sub-chief) and Benjamin Laki Jibidayo (a church and village elder).

The statement also alleged that SSPDF also arrested Mary Gaba Henry, whose whereabouts remain unknown.  

“They also looted goats, chicken, cloths, and cash in Kuturjo residential areas and burnt houses in Loka Round in Longera; and in areas of Darape, Lokirarat, Nyaporo, Kengwe, Rego and Lomilikin,” Yugusuk further alleged.

The cleric further claimed the officers arrested thirteen youth in Rudu, after which they released eleven of them were released after being beaten. According to the statement from the SSPDF spokesperson,  businessmen David Boso, Ojas Lokule Stuart and Lomoro Lo-Bonjin from  Lainya town are not yet released to date.