Lopit village in Imehejek, Eastern Equatoria. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Public Prosecution Office in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, has released 11 individuals suspected of burying a man alive whom they accused of preventing rainfall in their community.

This decision followed a reconciliation process facilitated in accordance with local customs and traditions.

The incident, which occurred in the Imehejek Administrative Area in October 2024, involved youth who accused the victim, identified as Loture, of failing to perform cultural obligations to end a prolonged dry spell.

The Chief Administrator of Imehejek, Mathew Oromo, previously confirmed the case, stating that the community blamed Loture for drought conditions.

He explained that the reconciliation resulted in the release of the 11 suspects from Torit prison. The accused men were arrested on October 27, 2024, and remanded to prison pending further investigations.

However, the complainant reconciled with the suspects and accepted the blood compensation in accordance with Eastern Equatoria customs.

Godfrey Victor, Executive Director for the Justice and Human Rights Observatory, said on Monday that the complainant accepted a blood compensation of 21 cows as part of the resolution.

The reconciliation was conducted in accordance with Section 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which permits alternative dispute resolution, and Section 206 of the Penal Code, which recognizes blood compensation as part of customary practices.

“Today was a reconciliation before the public prosecution in Torit, of which they have ordered for the release of the 11 men from the Torit prison,” he said in an interview with Eye Radio.

“The parties reconciled and the complainant opted to accept blood composition in accordance to the customs and traditions of the Eastern Equatoria people.”

Incidents of burying individuals alive over alleged drought-related disputes have been reported in Eastern Equatoria, highlighting ongoing tensions over cultural beliefs and traditional practices.