Silvester Lemi Peter, the uncle to the late told Eye Radio, the deceased had been persuading NAS fighters in the area to join the peace process.

Joseph Ngatua was shot dead on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, after a misunderstanding emerged between SSPDF and NAS group during a peace meeting in Mowaga Nusu of Mundri East County, in Western Equatoria State.

Lemi stated that the armed youth group differed after some of them rejected the mediation initiative.

“He was killed in a place called Mowaga Nusu in the Minga area of Mundri East County, which is near the Rokon area. He was killed by the rebel [NAS],” said Lemi.

“We, as the family of Joseph, received his body in Mundri today [Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2023] morning, and we buried him in Karika here.”

According to a press statement by the National Salvation Front, its forces intercepted a moment of SSPF, national security, and brokers trying to infiltrate NAS ranks on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023.

It said the move by government officials was aimed to cause defection in its command in the area.

NAS leadership stated the incident resulted in several loss of lives and the destruction of arms including two Toyota Land Cruisers.

When contacted by Eye Radio, the spokesperson of the SSPDF Major General Lul Ruai said he was still doing a consultation with the army leadership.