Three suspects arrested following the killing of a SPLA soldier two weeks ago in Eastern Equatoria have confessed to committing the crime in order to get a firearm.
The soldier identified as Yobo Mabior Mural was shot dead at Ipalla and his body found near Kineti River where cattle keepers from Haforire settled with their animals.
Eastern Equatoria caretaker governor, Johnson Juma Okot, said the suspects admitted committing the offence.
Mr. Okot added that the suspects killed Mr. Mabior to get his gun.
Mr. Mabior was reportedly shot by one herdsman after a scuffle between him and some young men who were also grazing their animals with the ones of the army the same field.
Mr. Okot, who visited the prison over weekend and talked to the suspects, told the congregation at Our Lady of Assumption on Sunday that the suspects said they wanted to exchange the soldier’s gun for some animals.
The death of the SPLA soldier prompted the Eastern Equatoria Acting Police Commissioner to issue a warning to civilians to refrain from attacking military personnel and engage in cattle rustling activities in the state.
The police chief said during a press briefing that areas of Greater Kapoeta are places where cattle raids and attacks on innocent civilians are common.
He urged perpetrators to stop the practice.