In a heartbreaking incident in Lowoi, Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, a 30-year-old man identified as Augustino has been apprehended for fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday during a dispute among members of a ruling generation, resulting in the boy being injured by an arrow shot from a bow. Despite being rushed to Torit State Hospital, the young victim succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
Khamis Thomas, the head chief of Lowoi, told Radio Tamazuj that the suspect is currently held at Torit Police Central Division for further investigation. The chief revealed that the incident occurred at 3 a.m., and the local youth are actively investigating two additional suspects connected to the tragic event to ensure justice is served.
Thomas explained the circumstances, stating, “These young boys were participating in youth (Monyio-miji) issues, and at around 7 p.m., three other youths were in disagreement. One of the boys took a bow and shot an arrow into the air where young children were playing. By 8 p.m., when the arrow fell, it hit a small boy in the umbilical cord area. He was rushed to the health facility at 10 p.m., underwent surgery but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at around 3 a.m. He was 13 years old, and two other suspects are under investigation, with one already in custody.”
Major General Ali Abdalatif, Inspector of Police and Acting Commissioner of Police for Eastern Equatoria State, has officially confirmed the suspect’s arrest, emphasizing that the individual is currently in police custody. He detailed that the suspect will be brought to court to face charges under section 206 of the penal code for murder, citing the act of shooting an arrow that resulted in the tragic death of a child.
General Abdalatif urged parents to counsel their children against engaging in harmful activities and excessive alcohol consumption. He explained, “The suspect was brought in yesterday and is presently in custody. This individual will be charged under case 206 for killing and murder, as he shot an arrow that unintentionally struck a child. Since the child has passed away, police investigations are underway. It is crucial for parents to advise their children to refrain from engaging in harmful activities, especially under the influence of alcohol. The instability caused by alcohol consumption can lead to regrettable incidents like this, and preventive measures must be taken.”
Civil society activist Jimmy Kilang from Eastern Equatoria State condemned the incident and commended the local youth for capturing the suspected perpetrator. However, he issued a caution to the youth, emphasizing the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, which poses threats to both lives and health.
Kilang explained, “This individual went home with a bow and shot an arrow into the air, resulting in it falling and striking a child in the abdomen. I encourage them to seek justice; it is indeed very unfortunate. The younger generation needs to be sensitized, and awareness campaigns should advise them on their lifestyle choices, as it is not conducive. Consuming drinks like Takaya, which sometimes leads to problems, is a concern. Fortunately, the youth in the area managed to apprehend the perpetrator, preventing potential escalation of the situation if he had not been arrested.”