A man was arrested for allegedly killing his own child because of traditional beliefs in Lopit West County of Torit State, the police said.

The incident occurred in Longiro payam last Wednesday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Saturday, the state police spokesperson, Lt. Col Mathew Ochan Jacob said Emmanuel Okeya, 29, killed his three-week-old baby boy after being born with one testicle.

He said some traditions in the area regard a baby boy born with one testicle as a curse.

“There is a man called Emmanuel from Lopit West whose wife gave birth to a child and they unfortunately killed the child because of traditional beliefs. They think that a baby boy born with one testicle is a curse, so they killed the child,” Ochan explained.

He said investigations are ongoing to bring the perpetrator to book.

The police officer condemned the killing of the child, saying the act contravened South Sudan’s law and existing human right principles.

“This is completely not acceptable, our law is very clear and according to the penal code, it is a murder case. There is nothing called culture or tradition. We are opening a murder case against him. Every child has a right to live and grow,” Ochan said.

Article 17 of the South Sudan constitution defines a child as anyone under the age of 18, and further states that the best interest of the child will be protected in all matters related to his or her life, and that the child should not be subjected to negative and harmful cultural practices.