Aweil man killed as Christmas brawl turns fatal, two suspects detained

AWEIL – Authorities in Warawar Boma in Baac Payam of Aweil East County in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, have detained two men accused of killing a 30-year-old man following a violent altercation at a local drinking spot.

The incident occurred on Sunday at around 4:00 p.m. in Warawar Town. According to police investigator Mr. Chieny Awan Anei, the victim, identified as Atak Garang Lual, was drinking with two men near a local garage where motorbikes are repaired when a heated argument erupted.

Mr. Awan said the disagreement quickly turned violent after the deceased allegedly struck the two suspects—William Manut Ngor and Majok Majok—prompting one of them to retaliate with a hammer. Atak Garang was rushed to Malualkon Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

“The incident was unnecessary and was largely fueled by excessive alcohol consumption during the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” Awan told reporters, describing the killing as avoidable.

The police investigator further revealed that the deceased had previously been implicated in a separate murder case earlier this year. He was reportedly arrested but later released after his relatives and local chiefs agreed to settle the matter through customary compensation, commonly known as blood payment. However, the agreed compensation was never fully paid.

“The deceased was accused of killing a son of his maternal uncle. Chiefs and some relatives intervened, claiming the matter would be resolved at the family level through compensation,” Awan explained.

He strongly criticised local chiefs for interfering in criminal cases, arguing that reliance on customary law often undermines justice and perpetuates cycles of violence.

“One of the biggest challenges we face in rural areas is the constant intervention by chiefs, who pressure courts to release suspects based on family settlements. This practice denies justice to victims and fuels revenge killings,” he said.

In a related incident on the same day, authorities in Alek North Payam of Gogrial West County, Warrap State, reported another deadly episode. A man allegedly stormed the Mayom-to-Tin health facility and attacked a patient who was receiving treatment. As police attempted to intervene, one officer was killed.

Police investigator Kuac Deng said the suspect, identified as Akot Riing Nuoi, is in custody over the killing of the police officer, which occurred at around 7:00 p.m.

Authorities say cases of revenge killings are on the rise, particularly during the festive season. Analysts attribute the trend to weak policing, widespread availability of small arms, and excessive alcohol consumption, warning that without stronger law enforcement and accountability, such deadly incidents may continue.