South Sudan’s vice president for Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga says he will pay medical expenses for Mr. Ding Deng- Achuil who was allegedly beaten by the vice president’s bodyguards on Saturday last week.
“After receiving clear information concerning a traffic incident which occurred in Gumbo-Sherikat involving his body guards and a taxi driver…the vice president, ordered for immediate investigation into the incident.” Reads part of a statement issued by the press secretary in the office of the vice president, Michael Allajabu.
Michael further said, top officials in the vice president’s office visited Mr. Ding’s family and consoled the victim, promising to take care of his hospital bills.
“Vice president Wani Igga has ordered for accountability for those in charge of the fleet including the traffic police warden who was on duty the day of the incident.” Said Michael.
Michael is urging the public to remain calm as the issue has got the attention of vice president Wani Igga, he also advises the public to avoid provocative actions, keep traffic rules and ensure there is security for all road users including motorcade for government and special representatives in the Country.
Last Saturday, Mr. Diing Deng- Achuil is alleged to have been beaten by the bodyguards of vice president Dr. James Wani Igga however, the Press Secretary in the office of Vice President, Michael Allajabu denied that the bodyguards beat up a man who blocked their convoy in Sherikat, a suburb of Juba City.
Michael said on April 3, at around 11:45 am, while travelling to Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State , their convoy was bisected by a taxi (Noha) driver in Sherikat, “A man who we suspect was escaping inspection by traffic police entered in the middle of the convoy, immediately, the vice president’s closed protection guards tried to arrest him to hand him over to the concerned authorities, instead the driver of the Noah parked the vehicle blocking the Convoy, he tried to run away. “ Said Michael on phone from Magwi.
“In the process of apprehending him, he fell, knocking his face against a bodaboda (motorcycle) parked along the roadside and sustained bruises on his face.” Continued Michael.
Michael further said the car keys of the driver of the Noah (Mr. Diing Deng-Achuil) was taken from him by the guards and handed over to traffic police officers promising that an investigation would be carried out upon the vice president’s return to Juba.
The family of Mr. Diing said at the time that their primary concern was to have him treated and get his car key and cell phone which they said they did get.
