SSPDF officer, Private Yak Garang who allegedly killed four people in Warrap State. (Photo: Obaj Okuj).

The General Court Martial in Juba has sentenced to death by firing squad an SSPDF soldier after the court found him guilty of killing three foreigners and a South Sudanese national in Warrap State.

The court also dismissed Private Yak Garang Yak from South Sudan People’s Defense Force.

The ruling comes after the court framed charges against the solider.

On January 7, 2023, Yak reportedly shot dead three Syrian construction workers and a South Sudanese security guard at the construction site in Akon town, Warrap state.

According to the court, Private Yak Garang is charged with murder under section 83 of the SPLA Act 2009, and article 206 of the Penal Coder of 2008.

He is also charged with causing damages under section 83 of the SPLA Act 2009 and 327 of the South Sudan Penal Code 2008.

Private Yak is also accused of violating lawful orders under article 67 of SPLA.

In Friday’s session presided by Major General Majok Michael Chan, the court found Private Yak Garang Yak guilty of killing three foreigners and a South Sudanese

“Final verdict, one the convicted Yak Garang Yak is dismissed from SSPDF files and ranks with effects from 3^rd of March, 2023. Two, the convict is sentenced to death by firing squad.”

“Three, the convicted has the right to appeal against the rule within the prescribed time of the law, the file is to be sent to authorized authorities.”

Reacting to the ruling, the defense lawyer says they will appeal against the court ruling.