The SPLA has sentenced one soldier to death and court marshaled forty others for crimes committed in the past one year of conflict.

This is the first time such a punishment has been given to soldiers since independence.

The SPLA spokesperson, Colonel Philip Aguer, says the crimes committed included murder, shooting in air and illegal possession of arms.

“Three of them committed murder, they killed people and the other crimes; two of them have sold weapons and the other guy was found shooting in the air,” Col Aguer said.

“The total is 40, but the sample that was read in the parade was 7, the one who was sentenced to death and the 6 they were sentenced ranging from imprisonment and dismissed from Army.”