File image: Gunman in South Sudan
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A mother of eight children has been shot dead by cattle keepers in Kimatong Payam of Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
According to Payam Administrator Arkangelo Lokolimoi, Nakenei Lotenge, age 40, was shot dead on Thursday in the bush in Napak Boma by cattle keepers suspected to be from Kapoeta North County.
“Three days ago, the cattle from Toposa of Kapoeta North County were grazing on this side of Napak, and the women from this side were in the bush cutting grass to make roofs for their houses. The women met the cattle keepers in the bush, and the cattle keepers started shooting. They shot dead this 40-year-old woman,” said Lolimoi.
Lolimoi said there were two women, but the other managed to escape the scene unharmed and reported to the local youth that the cattle keepers were responsible for the shooting.
In response, Kapoeta North County Commissioner David Nayee acknowledged receiving information about the killing by suspected cattle keepers from his county and said he would investigate.
“I will investigate further. I plan to send people to the nearby village to verify the details and identify those responsible, as it is currently difficult to determine,” Nayee stated.
Nayee appealed to both the youth of the Laarim and Toposa communities to cease violence against women and respect human rights.
He emphasized the importance of justice and the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.