RUMBEK—Authorities in Rumbek East, Lakes State, arrested a farmer on Saturday accused of using a panga to hack 15 cows that intruded on and grazed at his farmland.
Rumbek East Commissioner Zechariah Malual Anyuon said the animals from Lakes cattle camp had entered the family farm at Awan village on Thursday and were eating crops.
“They entered the farm, and then the owner of the farm reacted by injuring 8 cows with a panga,” he said.
“The police entered the scene of the incident and secured the arrest of the suspect, and the accused is now in police custody in Rumbek East County headquarters. This is what happened on Saturday.”
He said the investigation on the case is ongoing, after which the suspect will be arraigned in court. It is not clear what potential charges he faces.
“We have cows, and they are our sources of livelihoods and property. Also we have crops, and they are all our sources of livelihoods. Therefore, we want nothing to happen to any of the properties. However, we issue orders to manage the cattle and prevent them from damaging the farms.
Akuckerieth Marial Malual, the owner of the injured cattle, said despite the man’s crime of chopping his livestock with a panga, he decided to hold back and let the law take its course.
“It is because I am a responsible person, and that’s why I didn’t get myself involved in the issues that can trigger violence in the community but followed due process of law,” he said.
“I am asking the government to investigate this person who slashed cows with a panga about his motive. I think it is to provoke violence so that everyone gets back to previous violence.”
“I wanted to report to the government that I have about 8 cows chopped with a panga, and another person has 7 cows that were chopped with a panga. All are 15 cows, and these are the total number of cows chopped with pangas by the farmers.”
Marial said the suspect went into hiding upon realizing his crime before police officers were called to apprehend him.
“He is currently in police custody. It was me who went for his search with police, and he was caught and apprehended. He will explain in the investigation processes why he cut cows with pangas.”
I am asking the government for permission to accompany him in order to assess the damage done to his garden, as I am prepared to compensate for it. Meanwhile, my cows, which he has chopped with pangas, will be handed over to him to compensate them and treat them.”
