The SPLA Court Martial has sentenced to death a soldier convicted of murder, according to Eye Radio reporter.

Ngong Thuch, aged 28, will be executed by a firing squad.

“One was sentenced to death by firing squad following the killing of three people,” reported Eye Radio’s Ray Okech, who has following the court proceedings.

Two others convicted of theft and rape, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

They are among 77 soldiers who were sentenced this morning for various crimes committed since the July violence.

Some of them were found guilty of raping 14-year-old girls.

“The rest were convicted for looting, for selling their guns like AK47 and PKM and also selling their fuel that were supposed to be used by military tanks,” he added.

They were also demoted from their positions.

The death sentence will be forwarded to the president for approval.

However, rights groups have urged South Sudan government to join the great majority of United Nations members that have abolished the death penalty in law or practice by placing a moratorium on all executions.