In Tonj North County, Warrap State, three soldiers are in trouble after they shot dead an offender in what appears to be self-defense.
In February, police say a traditional court fined Mawien Chol Diing seven heads of cattle after it found him guilty of adultery.
“The traditional court found him guilty of committing adultery. It fined him seven cows,” said Maj Ajal Bol Bol, director of Criminal Investigation Department in Tonj North.
The court gave him 14 days to hand over the animals to the plaintiff – Majiel Makom Malual.
After 14 days elapsed without a word from Chol, Ajal said police officers visited him at his home to find out why he disobeyed the court order.
To the surprise of the policemen, he threatened to shoot them if they did not leave.
As a result, three soldiers, accompanied by Makom – the plaintiff – visited Chol, who opened fire, shooting the unnamed women’s husband in the chest.
“When the soldiers saw Makom fall down, they immediately started shooting, killing Chol on the spot,” the police officer told Mayardit FM.
Majiel Makom Malual, who was shot in the chest, is receiving treatment at a hospital in the area.
The three soldiers reported themselves to the authorities over the matter, Maj Ajal said.
He went on to urge the relatives to remain calm as the government looks into the matter.
The South Sudan Penal prohibits consensual sexual intercourse with a married man or woman.
Article 266 stipulates that any adultery case shall be addressed in accordance with the customs and traditions of the aggrieved party.
“And in lieu of that and upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or with a fine or with both,” it reads.