South Sudanese police said on Monday they suspect a political motive in the murder of a hopeful in the April 11 to 13 elections at Unity State.
Zacariah Bol Deng, an independent candidate for a seat in Unity state Legislative Assembky, died after being shot last Thursday when at least three men broke into his house in Juba.Asked by Reuters if a political motive was suspected, police Colonel Michael Lasuba said: “Yes, because of the election – maybe there is competition and you eliminate this one.”
Police investigator Sebit Joseph Ater said the victim’s brother believed the killing was connected to Mr. Deng’s campaign and it was paid for.
Mr. Ater explained that Mr. Deng and his wife were sleeping under an open-walled tukul when the gunmen pulled them out of bed, threw the lady to the ground and shot the parliamentarian many times.