Interior Minister Aleu Ayieny’s bodyguards have been accused of beating a priest in Rumbek, Lakes State, prompting a harsh public response from the Church leadership in the state.
“Fr John Mathiang Machol was attacked and tortured last Wednesday morning by body guards of the national Interior minister Aleu Ayieny,” reported the Catholic radio station in Rumbek.
Machol was taking a sick person to the hospital for treatment when police blocked his car, pulled him out, beat him and robbed his shoes, according to a priest in Rumbek.
Good News Radio added, “The Congregation of St Theresa Parish on Sunday strongly condemned the attack allegedly carried out by a group of policemen on Rumbek Catholic Diocese Administrator.”
“The Catholic Church faithful in Rumbek were angered by the humiliation the policemen did to their leader,” the report added, further demanding that the police should go to seek forgiveness from the priest.
Aleu Ayieny, the interior minister, has reportedly based himself in Rumbek for approximately a month, in a bid to quell widespread inter-communal violence and crime in Lakes State.
“The President has sent me here to work with General Matur and other state leaders to find solutions to the rampant killings in the state,” Aleu was recently quoted by New Nation newspaper as saying.
He also reportedly dismissed calls by some people for the removal of Matur Chut, the caretaker governor of Lakes state. “It is not the leadership of Matur killing people of Lakes state. So it is wrong for anyone to call for his removal.”
Instead of blaming Matur, people should cooperate with him to bring about peace, he said. “Please assist him in bringing peace. Then at election time, you will elect a person of your choice.”
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