The police in Yei River County say three people died in separate incidents, including two suspected suicide cases and a lightning strike that killed an 11-year-old girl, over the weekend.
Major General Yoasa Lujang Kamba, Police Chief Inspector in Yei River County, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that one of the suspected suicide cases involved a man who allegedly hanged himself while in police custody in Mugwo.
“There were two incidents: a man hanged himself in police custody in Mugwo, where his in-laws had him detained because he was under violence of alcohol,” he explained. “In a separate incident, an 11-year-old girl named Gloria Aputu was struck dead by lightning while cooking. Her father, Moses Batali, then ran to the bush and hanged himself because of what had happened to his daughter.”
The deceased girl’s uncle, Samuel Kenyi Evans, confirmed the incident, saying the children were at home when lightning struck the girl and that her father later took his own life in a nearby bush after receiving news of his daughter’s death.
“When it was raining, lightning struck the girl. She came back from school and entered the kitchen to cook; they were three children, and it was only the girl who died. When the neighbors tried to rush the girl to the hospital, they realized she had long died,” he said. “Then the other two children ran to call the parents. Unfortunately, after learning about his daughter’s death, the father hanged himself. We found him in the nearby bushes.”
Speaking in the Kakwa language, John Laila, an elder from the affected Godu clan, urged residents to speak openly about their problems and seek support rather than resorting to suicide.
“If there is any problem in the family, let us be open and share it because we have authorities who can address such issues. Let these cases of suicide end today,” he stated. “Many people are living through hardships, but they are often guided by leaders. If things are hard, it does not mean that taking your life is a solution. You should seek help.”
Police Chief Inspector Gen. Lujang urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful means and further warned the public against acts that endanger human life.
“Some people say suicide happens as a result of spells, curses or rituals, but for us as the keepers of law and order, it is a crime because you have taken the law into your own hands,” he said. “I appeal to the people not to commit suicide and take the law into your hands. We cannot condone it.”
Authorities say suspected suicide cases have increased in Yei since the beginning of the year due to economic hardships, unemployment, and drug abuse, prompting renewed calls for residents to seek help and resolve grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
and then