Awerial Diocese bishop ‘checks himself into jail’ after road accident

The bishop of Awerial Diocese of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan is in police custody after his car reportedly knocked down three people on a motorbike on Monday evening.

The vehicle Bishop David Akau Kuol was driving collided with a boda-boda rider carrying two passengers – a man and a woman – at Gak-Arol at around 8 PM while returning to Mingkaman town after visiting his home village at Yol Akot.

As a result, he proceeded to Mingkaman town where he surrendered himself to police.

Traffic Police Director in Mingkaman, Angelina Telar, declined to provide the names of the injured person, saying she did not receive the details from her field officer who visited the scene.

However, eyewitness John Ariik Maker identified boda boda rider who sustained leg fracture as Agau Adiith and a passenger who obtained thigh fracture as Alier Nyak. However, Ariik could not identify the woman who was also on the motorbike. He said she suffered leg fracture.

Police did not mention the cause of the accident but Ariik Maker said the incident occurred as a result of speeding.

Police Spokesperson for Lakes State Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuach says the bishop will be taken to court after the traffic police in Mingkaman finalize the investigations.

“Nobody is above the law. The Bishop is under arrest for committing road crimes. Now the investigation is ongoing and the victims were referred to Mapuordit Hospital for further care and he will be arraigned in court as soon as possible,” Maj. Mabor stated.

Mingkaman 100 FM could not reach the health authorities at Mapuordit hospital immediately for a comment.