The spokesperson of the Western Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce has demanded a harsh penalty for the two SSPDF soldiers who were arrested last week in connection with the killing of a Yambio businessman if they are found guilty.
Justin Agbiamamu, a trader who was also a local chief, was shot dead and his body burned while on his way to the garden in Gangura Payam in Yambio County on 30 August.
On 1 September, Alex Daniel Digi, the spokesperson of Western Equatoria State Governor Gen. Alfred Futuyo released a statement saying two SSPDF soldiers had been apprehended in connection with the gruesome murder.
“Based on the effort of the Governor of Western Equatoria State Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, today 1 September 2023, the security forces in Yambio managed to arrest two culprits from SSPDF who killed Justine Agbiamamu,” the statement read in part.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday morning about the murder, the spokesperson of the Western Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, Malish Christopher Enoch, welcomed the news of the suspects being in custody.
He however said cases of traders being attacked and their goods looted have been on the rise and that if found guilty, the perpetrators should be slapped with harsh punishments.
“Those who are robbing people, destroying property, and stealing from shops should be taken to prison for several years. Those who commit murder, according to me, should be sentenced to death by hanging, face the noose,” he said. “If the rest of the thieves hear that one of their members has been killed by the government, and they know that this person deserves it, then the rest will fear and stop committing or repeating the same crimes.”
“So, it is our hope and our stand that this is what should be done to all the culprits arrested,” Malilsh added.