A man accused of killing his wife in Ezo County of Western Equatoria State on Tuesday night has been found and arrested, police said.
Police on Wednesday launched a manhunt for a man identified as Mathew Simon, who is believed to have killed his wife in Ezo County.
The man killed his 25-year-old wife, Cecilia Mario, after a fight, according to the police and eyewitnesses.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday evening, Ezo County Commissioner Charles Abel Sudan said the culprit had been apprehended and is now detained in police custody.
“Youths have arrested this person, and is currently in the police cell. We still do not know the motive behind the killing of his wife. What is the reason? Why he killed the wife? Why did he take the law into his hand? That is what we will tell the public soon,” he said.
The man has admitted to killing his wife, according to the commissioner.
“Today I gathered all the youths, women and everyone in the area to tell them that the government will not tolerate such acts. We have searched for and managed to arrest him, so anyone who takes the law into his own hands will be arrested,” he stressed.
Reacting to the man’s arrest by the police, Veronica Usini, a woman in Ezo County, said: “I am happy that the man has been arrested by the police.”
Veronica called on the relevant authorities to try the perpetrator in a public place so that the citizens of Ezo County can witness it.
“A woman is a very important person in society. Why was she killed? She should not be killed, whatsoever the reason was. We want the law to take its course. I also urge the couples to discuss their problems and find amicable solutions instead of resorting to violence,” she said.
Article 206 of the South Sudan Penal Code says whoever causes the death of another person commits the offence of murder and, upon conviction, be sentenced to death or imprisonment for life, and may also be liable to a fine, provided that if the nearest relatives of the deceased opt for customary blood compensation.