Police in Wau town, Western Bahr el Ghazal state, said they have arrested an Eritrean national on a murder charge after he allegedly stabbed his business partner to death following a dispute over a $21,000 debt.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the state’s police commissioner, Maj. Gen. Abednego Akol Ayuong, identified the suspect as Million Niaydab Halay, 26. He said Halay is accused of killing his 27-year-old partner, Tasfay Baragi, in the Hai Jebel neighborhood of Wau on Thursday night.
According to Ayuong, the altercation occurred around 10:30 p.m. inside the shop where the two men worked together. Preliminary investigations indicate that Halay stabbed Baragi five times in the body.
“The report was brought to the police, and he was rushed to Wau Teaching Hospital. Despite attempts by the medical team, the deceased succumbed to his injuries just 10 minutes later,” Ayuong said.
The police commissioner said the motive for the attack appears to be a long-standing financial dispute. Halay allegedly claimed that Baragi had misappropriated $21,000 from him since the previous year and had failed to repay the money.
“The deceased had been arrested several times in connection with the debt, but nothing was done while the case was still pending. So, the suspect decided to kill him, according to the allegation,” Ayuong said.
Authorities said Halay fled the scene after the attack but was apprehended by police at 6:30 a.m. Friday.
“Police have taken action. We arrested him. He escaped when he committed the crime, but this morning he was arrested, and he is now in police custody,” Ayuong said. “A criminal case has been opened against him.”
Halay remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Article 206 of South Sudan’s Penal Code (2008) states that anyone who causes the death of another person is guilty of murder, an offence punishable by death or life imprisonment, and may also be fined. The provision notes that these penalties can be set aside if the victim’s nearest relatives choose to seek customary blood compensation instead.