The local authorities in Western Equatoria State’s Ibba County have arrested a suspect whose name was withheld in connection with the death of Paramount Chief Faustino Roro Marona Sako, who passed away under mysterious circumstances on 5 June in a case suspected to involve sorcery.
Wilson Tetela, the Ibba County Commissioner, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect—allegedly an in-law to the late chief—is currently in police custody pending further investigations.
“The suspect was arrested shortly after the chief’s death. If found guilty, the law will take its course,” he told Radio Tamazuj. “We are calling on the public to remain calm as investigations continue. Anyone else found to be involved will also be held accountable.”
According to local sources, Chief Sako was in good health earlier on the day of his death, and at around midday, the suspect reportedly brought him meat, which he consumed. That evening, the chief died suddenly. During initial questioning, the suspect denied delivering the meat, but later confessed.
The incident has deeply shocked the community, raising alarm and fear among residents, especially parents.
Justin Baya Michael, a youth leader in Ibba County, said the tragedy has shaken many families.
“This arrest has left the community in mourning and confusion,” he said. “One parent told me, ‘If daughters can be involved in the death of their own father, how can we raise our children with confidence and hope?’”
Baya added that the late chief was a trained paramedic and a respected traditional leader who strongly supported education. His daughter, who is currently in Senior Two, had been his pride and focus for the future.
“He had high hopes for his daughter and was committed to her education, and his death has now brought those dreams to a tragic end,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Victoria Sako, the sister of the late chief, confirmed that the family has been informed about the suspect’s arrest.
“We have no voice right now, the authorities have arrested someone, and we leave it in the hands of the government to investigate and tell us what truly happened to our brother,” she said.
For his part, Sultan Isaih Gangura, a senior traditional leader and the paramount chief in Yambio, condemned the alleged use of sorcery in the chief’s death, stressing that it has no place in society or within the Azande Kingdom.
“As a kingdom, we reject witchcraft, which is prohibited by South Sudanese law and in Western Equatoria State. If someone is caught practicing it, they should face two years in prison without bail,” he said. “We received the news two days ago that the suspect is still in custody in Ibba. Unfortunately, there is no proper prison there.”
Simon Pio, another local elder, called on the community to completely abandon witchcraft, warning that such acts hinder development and endanger lives.
“Witchcraft is a serious evil. It causes the loss of innocent lives and must not continue in South Sudan. We lost a great leader in Ibba, someone we cannot replace,” he said.
The community is now calling for justice, urging the government to ensure a fair trial and to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.