Sunday night a reporter for Rumbek radio was physically assaulted by a group of men, allegedly soldiers involved in disarmament in Rumbek Township.
John Ciec Dut shared with Good News Radio radio about his experience with soldiers on his way home. He explained that the incident happened around 9.30pm, between Rumbek Police Headquarters and the Holy Family Cathedral, some 2Km West of Rumbek town on Rumbek Ð Wau road.
Mr. Ciec said that the soldiers faced him with a series of questions about his identity, including his tribe, before torturing him physically using the tip of the gun.
Mr. Ciec also said that the physical torture lasted 40minutes, adding that the soldiers wounded him.
Mr. Ciec said that the soldiers robbed him of his mobile phone, 20 Sudanese Pounds, and demanded that he gives them Five Thousand Dollars, adding that the physical assault went on until he was rescued by two people he described as “soldiers from Bahr El Ghazal”.
Mr. Ciec expressed concern for citizens who leave their place of work late, giving the example of those working in media houses and the hospital. He described the soldiers as irresponsible, adding that “they were drunk”.
The Radio reporter appealed to the Government of Lakes State to offer security for its citizens, adding that many defenseless citizens have been unjustly tortured by soldiers.
Mr. Ciec decried the process of disarmament that involves torture, explaining that the torture will dishearten the young generation to defend their country when needed.
The forces involved in disarmament in Lakes State have usually deployed brutal means, leaving victims wounded and some in fear. However, some sources have revealed that criminals disguise themselves as soldiers, taking advantage of the ongoing disarmament to do crime.