Authorities in Kapoeta North County in Eastern Equatoria State over the weekend arrested two suspected cattle raiders, recovered 12 of 14 head of cattle, and returned them to the Jie community.
The suspects from Kapoeta North County stole the cattle from the Jie area of Kapoeta East last month.
The Kapoeta East Commissioner, Emmanuel Epone Lolimo, said the cattle had been recovered and handed to the rightful owners with the help of traditional leaders. He promised that the remaining animals will also be returned.
“We handed 12 cattle to the Jie out of 14. So, the remaining two, because the two boys who stole the cattle are already arrested, they are in police custody and we have informed their parents to return the cattle,” Commissioner Epone said. “So the other two remaining, the father of the boy, has promised to go and return the remaining ones. We are trying to ensure that there is law and order and justice in Kapoeta North County.”
This is the second time the Kapoeta North County government hands over stolen cattle to the rightful owners after it handed over 71 cattle to livestock traders earlier this month.
The Jie community representative Taban Lokai applauded the Kapoeta North County authorities for recovering and handing back the cows and said that if all the communities work together with chiefs and the government there will be no cattle theft in the country.
“Let us all know that these people are our brothers. If their cows also get stolen, let us return to them as they are doing to us. Jie, if you come and take from Toposa here I will follow you and bring back those cows. This is what I am telling you Jie. We need to develop our country, let us cultivate, take children to school and open shops,” Lokai said.
Nariet Mumuar, one of the owners of the recovered cows, appreciated the government for returning them.
“I am so happy with the authorities of Riwoto for recovering our cows. I lost hope but now I am happy. I can see my cows here. The Jie community were saying if the cows got lost let them go but we have to be in peace with our brothers,” Nariet said.
Saverio Pasquale, the Executive Director of Kapoeta North County, appreciated the cattle owners for being patient while their animals were being traced.
“I thank the Jie cattle owners for following the lawful procedures instead of taking the law in their hands. I am also calling on the neighboring communities to copy what is happening in Riwoto, even if a chicken is stolen from here we need to return it to the owners because we are now in peace,” Saverio said.