SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. General Lul Ruai Koang speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. June 9, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

South Sudan People’s Defense Forces spokesperson said the stolen items from the residence of a pastor in Yei have been recovered and handed back to him.

Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang confirmed the assault against Christian believers by what he described as “irresponsible service men” affiliated with the SSPDF.

According to him, the soldiers in question hailed from a squad that was on a mission in parts of Yei but separated from the major group.

They reportedly spent a night in the residence of Pastor Hillary Mawa when darkness fell.

However, when embarking on their mission the following day, some of them walked away with four mattresses while others took along with them two solar panels, among other items.

“Yes, it is true, we had a company, a squad that got lost from the main group and when the dark fell, they decided to spend the night at the residence of Rev. Hillary Mawa,” Lul narrated.

“Unfortunately, in the morning, when they decided to move on their final destination, some elements within that small force decided to carry along with them four mattresses as well as took two small solar panels.”

“Not only that, but they also went ahead and sought help from three youth that helped them carry 82-millimeter motor and up on arrival to their final destinations, those youth were released.”

The Army Spokesperson also said at least two Non-Commissioned Officers have been arrested.

The number of arrests contradicts Yei River County Commissioner’s statement that 12 suspects, instead of two, have been apprehended.

However, General Lul said there was no act of violence perpetrated on the pastor and Christians as hinted in the statement issued by the bishops.

Lul further denied allegations of torture against the pastor, by a group of bishops in Juba.

“On the torture, no pastor was tortured, and no Christian was beaten as reported and as we speak, two NCOs were taken into custody under the principle of command responsibility”.

On Saturday, August 26, South Sudan’s Episcopal Church Bishops condemned an act of looting and torture of Christians by SSPDF soldiers in Yei River County.

The clerics said the mobile SSPDF forces attacked, looted, and tortured Christian believers in Nyori and Mongo Archdeaconries of Yei Diocese on August 24.