Juba, South Sudan,
August 04, 2021 – Some clerics in Nimule Town of Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State have been involved in a physical fight amid a leadership wrangle within the Episcopal Church.
According to a report by Eye Radio, at least six church leaders are in police custody in connection with the incident.
The six include 50-year-old Daniel Magok, Lazarus Chol, 58; Peter Alier, 50; Abraham Makech, 70; Joseph Akol, 47; and Joseph Kom, 72.
The incident also mirrored the widespread disputes among church leaders across the country.
The report says there have been some wrangles allegedly over who will lead the Episcopal Church in Nimule.
According to the police, the matter has been ongoing for the last two years.
Last Sunday, the local pastors reportedly engaged in violent attacks on each other at the church premise.
“We sat with them several times, but it failed. This was the third time they fought and that’s why I opened a case against them,” Maj. David Kasmiro was quoted to have said.
The police moved in and arrested six of them. Police Inspector in Nimule says some of the ring leaders are still at large.
The pastors are being charged under Section 177 of the South Sudan Penal Code, 2008.
It says whoever commits an act or illegal omission which causes any common injury, danger, or annoyance to the public… commits the offense of public nuisance.
