Investigation: SSPDF clears Lt. Gen. Gregory Deng over Juba airport shooting
JUBA, South Sudan — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) says an investigation found no evidence linking Defence and Veterans Affairs Undersecretary Lt. Gen. Gregory Deng Kuac to a shooting incident connected to a land dispute near Juba International Airport in September.
Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced the findings on Thursday at the SSPDF headquarters in Bilpam, Juba.
The incident occurred on September 4 and 5 and drew public attention after videos circulated on social media showing security personnel firing live ammunition during a confrontation with civilians. Some social media users linked the incident to alleged land grabbing involving Deng Kuac, who is President Salva Kiir’s brother-in-law.
Koang said the investigation committee found no evidence that Deng Kuac was involved in the dispute, either in his official position or as a private citizen.
Investigation findings
Koang said the committee began its investigation on September 7 and spent about a month examining the incident. Investigators interviewed people involved in the dispute, court officials and the head of the security forces sent to enforce a court order.
According to the report read by Koang, the dispute involved the family of the late Abunisiri Pasha, which had obtained a court injunction against Mary Nyanakuoi. The report identified Nyanakuoi as the wife of Maj. Gen. Simon Majak, an officer in the wildlife service, and said she serves as a second lieutenant in the South Sudan National Police Service.
Koang said security forces went to the site to enforce the court order after a structure under construction was scheduled for demolition. He said relatives of the defendant obstructed the operation, leading to a confrontation and the firing of live ammunition.
The committee concluded that the dispute was between private parties and that Deng Kuac had no role in it.
Koang also alleged that some opposition supporters and people with personal grievances had used the incident to damage the general’s reputation for political reasons. These claims were presented as findings of the military investigation and have not been independently verified.
Committee recommends legal action
The investigation committee recommended that Deng Kuac consider legal action against individuals or organisations accused of defaming him.
Koang said the committee also recommended that the army publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Thursday’s briefing was intended to address the issue.
