The police in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, are holding three young men in connection with the alleged murder of John Hakim, 23, along Yei Town’s Kinji Street over the weekend.
Major General Yoasa Lujang Kamba, the head of the police in Yei, told Radio Tamazuj Monday that the victim was rushed to a health facility but succumbed to his injuries before receiving treatment. The suspects, aged between 21 and 22, remain in police custody pending court arraignment.
“On 23 October at around 6 p.m., we received a report from the Peace suburb near the Sea Hotel that a man named John Hakim Joseph, 23, was beaten by three men who then rushed him to the hospital, but he died before receiving medical attention,” he explained. “The three suspects, aged between 21 and 22, are in our custody and will appear in court after investigations.”
“Mob justice is illegal, and I want to urge young men to stop such behavior,” Gen. Lujang added.
For her part, Rejoice Keji Angilo, the deceased’s aunt, said her nephew was allegedly beaten by three men before being taken to a health facility, where he later died. She called on authorities to ensure justice for the family.
“They were fighting with some boys, but I have not seen them up to today. The second guy allegedly slapped the late man and twisted his neck, and he fell unconscious. The other boys panicked and decided to take him to the hospital,” she narrated. “They took the boy to the hospital where they were told to bring Police Form 8. However, when they returned from the police, the boy had already died. We have left the case in the hands of the authorities, and we want to see justice done.”
Meanwhile, David Lodongo Peter, Sub-Chief of Rumojju Sub-Boma, condemned the killing and urged residents to remain calm as police investigations continue. He urged collective community action to address gang activities.
“I condemn the killing. We should act before such negative things and loss of life happen,” he stated. “There are gangs in the area where this man died in Kinji. It is a dangerous place, and I urge the government to look into such matters because perpetrators are usually arrested and released without any information.”
Major General Lujang urged parents to guide young people away from violence and encouraged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the authorities.
“We want to urge the area chiefs and parents to see to it that when your child joins a gang, you better come and report to us so that we put some discipline in them so that they become better people,” he advised. “When they are in our custody, they will not have access to the drugs they take.”
Yei River County has seen a rise in gang-related crime lately, creating fear among residents.
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