Lakes state government has paid over 30 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) as blood compensation to the families of three people from Warrap State killed in Pacong Payam of Rumbek East County in 2014.
Lakes State cabinet affairs minister and acting minister for information and communication Stephen Mathiang Deng Monydit told Radio Tamazuj, “Each life is paid 101 cows as blood compensation, and each cow is equated to 100,000 SSP. So the total blood compensation for the three people killed in Pacong Payam in terms of cows is 303 herds of cattle which is equivalent to the amount of 30,300,000 SSP.”
He said the government took the initiative to compensate the families for peace to prevail in the region.
"Now the deceased families will make sacrifices tomorrow (Wednesday) by slaughtering some bulls in Rumbek Freedom Square and others will be slaughtered in Pacong Payam for peace to reign and curse to be removed from the Agar community," he added.
The Director of Prison Service for training and human resources in Juba Lieutenant General Longar Wol Dhel, representing the aggrieved families confirmed that he had received the amount of 30,300,000 SSP as compensation for the lives lost in Pacong Payam of Rumbek East County.
According to him, they have been following up on the issue for about eight years, since President Salva Kiir Mayardit directed Lakes State authorities to pay compensation to the victims.
“I have been following up with various governors of Lakes State including Major General Matur Chut Dhuol whose members of clan participated in the killings of three people in Pacong Payam. Now, today under the governor of Lakes State Makur Kulang Liei we have received 303 herds of cattle which is equivalent to 30,300,000 SSP for the lives of three people killed in Pacong Payam during 2014 in an act of revenge," Wol said.
He identified those killed as Lieutenant Colonel Yel Muordit Dhel, Deng Makuac, and Hol Kong.
Wol stated that today, Wednesday, they will slaughter five bulls in Rumbek Freedom Square and two bulls where the three were killed.
The event, held on Monday, was attended and witnessed by Lakes State Governor Makur Kulang Liei, Deputy Governor Ayen Mayor Makuei, and representatives from both Warrap and Lakes states.