The High Court in Kator has adjourned the announcement of its final verdict in a case of slain Catholic nun: Sister Veronika Theresa Rackova. The ruling is adjourned until 14th of November this year.
The high court was expected to announce its ruling today 24th of October, but it was adjourned due to nonappearance of the accused and the defense lawyers from the national security. The prosecuting lawyer reported that the respondents were unable to appear in court due to other commitments.
The prosecution advocate for the slain Catholic nun, James Paulono Lado said the session was adjourned due to the absence of his counterpart, Counsel Akoth Maduok from the national security legal team whom he said requested for another date
According to Lado, Counsel Akoth Maduok is out of Juba, apparently paying salaries to the organised forces in another state.
Paulino lado added that they are patiently waiting for the final verdict although they are disappointed with the prolonged court process that has taken nearly three years since 2021.
“Previously a case cannot take two years to be finalized and this case was brought to Juba in 2021, the case was tried by four judges. This change of judges made the case not to proceed very quickly.” Palino stressed.
Although dismayed, Paulino acknowledged that the current Judge, Justice Nicholas Makuach Bol has speed up the court process and that he is optimistic that he will pass the verdict as soon as possible.
“I’m not happy but at the end, the last judge (Nicholas Makuach Bol) sped up with the procedures and I appreciate him because he sped up the procedures and now he is going to bring an end to this case.” He added.
The Bishop of Yei, Alex Lodiong Sakor calls for patience as people wait for the final verdict without jeopardising the processes.
After listening to all the evidences and statements from the witnesses, the presiding judge at Kator High Court will make a ruling on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty on 14th next month.
The Catholic Sister was killed in 2016 by suspected soldiers from the organised forces in Yei.
This case has been in Court since 2021 under a series of investigations under different four judges.
One accused among the six suspects appeared in Court at Kator and was questioned by judge, Justice Nicholas Makuach Bol.
The accused refuted all allegations put against him as being the mastermind in command that led to the killing of the Catholic Sister.