The fact-finding committee formed by Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba to investigate the indicted state minister of housing, lands, and public utilities has summited its findings which found the latter culpable.
Two weeks ago, Governor Futuyo suspended his lands minister, Simon Peter Sarawasi, for allegedly selling government land in Yambio and electrical equipment. The governor then formed a seven-man committee headed by his human rights advisor, Victor James Ndukpo, to investigate the accused minister.
The Western Equatoria State information minister, Isaac Mursal, told the press Tuesday that the committee presented its findings and that the local government will decide the fate of Minister Sarawasi.
“The committee worked for 3 days investigating the three summoned officers which include Minister Simon Peter Sarawasi, the director in the land ministry, Simple John Francize, and Engineer Isaac Okwera Alphonse,” he read. “As such here are the findings of the committee; Hon. Simon Peter Sarawasi, minister of housing, lands, and public utilities received the sum of 250,000 SSP from Martin Ndundu, a dealer in scrap.”
He added: “…this testifies that Hon. Sarawasi intended to sell the electrical equipment.”
Minister Mursal said eight electrical transformers and a generator were recovered and are currently stowed at the National Security Services premises in Yambio town as exhibits to prove the sale of the said equipment.
He added that after the committee’s findings, the fate of the indicted officials will be decided by the governor.
“The committee is hereby recommending their fate to the governor for a final decision,” he said. “Regarding the illegal selling of plots (land), the committee recommended the formation of a technical committee to investigate and that those who bought the plots from the minister should not develop them until the technical committee comes out with findings and recommendations.”
According to Mursal, the committee also recommended that Minister Sarawasi refund the sum of SSP 250,000 SSP to Martin Ndunu who paid it for scrap.
“All the properties of the lands ministry which were sold must be returned and any government properties that are to be auctioned or sold must be presented to the (state) council of ministers for deliberation and approval,” he said.