Police are investigating the death of a 24-year-old woman whose body was found in the swimming pool of a hotel in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, a spokesperson said Monday.
The woman was identified as Atoch Chol Lang, the daughter of Mary Ayen Mijok, the first deputy speaker of South Sudan’s Council of States.
Police Spokesperson Maj. Gen. James Monday Enocka told Radio Tamazuj that the body was discovered on 26 September at the Imperial Plaza Hotel and has been taken to a mortuary for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“The medical report will identify whether she was thrown into the swimming pool or she just drowned,” Enocka said. “So there will be investigations to uncover that inside the hotel.”
He said the investigation will focus initially on the medical findings and will include interviews with hotel staff. Enocka added that CCTV footage from the hotel would be reviewed and that potential witnesses could assist the police.
Separately, Mijok’s family issued a statement Sunday appealing for privacy and asking the public to avoid speculation about the death. The appeal came amid a surge of unverified claims about the circumstances on social media.
“While this support truly provides solace to the grieving family, the family would also like to request that, in light of the ongoing investigation by relevant authorities, any speculations as to the cause of her demise at this difficult moment should be paused,” the family said.
The family also expressed appreciation for the public support it has received.
Police urged hotel managers to ensure full security and protection for their clients.