November 2nd 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The South African government on Thursday welcomed the release of its citizen, William Endley who has been sentenced to death by a Juba court early this year.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit during a remark at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in Juba where peace celebrations place ordered the release of ex-Machar spokesman James Gatdet Dak and the South African National who has been an advisor to Machar.
In a statement issued on Thursday and seen by the Nyamilepedia, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu said the release of SA ex-colonel of the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) Colonel William Endley, marked an important milestone in realizing peace in South Sudan adding that the South African government was highly encouraged by such a symbolic gesture of peace ushered in by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
“We extend our gratitude to President Kiir to release one of our own to once again spend time with his family,” the Minister said in the statement urging “fellow South Africans” who had opportunities to work abroad, to observe and abide by the laws of their host countries to avoid the same scenario.
Speaking to the media shortly after the news got around, the sister of the jailed foreigner said that the family members were excited to have him back after two consecutive years under detention in South Sudan.
“It has been two years and two months. It has been a very emotionally draining time for myself and my family. I never imagined this. It’s like a dream come true. We are elated by the news and the commitment to the peace process,” Charmaine Endley Quinn, sisters to the released South African National said.
The National Peace Celebration is an important milestone towards reconciliation and rebuilding trust amongst the South Sudanese warring parties to the conflict.
The accused ex-colonel of the South African National Defence Force, William Endley, had been on death row in Juba for the conviction of capital crimes, including espionage and conspiracy against the Salva Kiir administration.
