Crime Africa

Rainmaker killed; body burnt to ashes in Ikotos County

File photo

A rainmaker identified as Augustino Molong was over the weekend killed by a mob and his dead body burned to ashes for allegedly failing to bring rain in Mohina Village in Kideopo valley in Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria State.

A group of youths arrested the said rainmaker, beat and killed him before handing his dead body to a group of women who then burned it to ashes

Authorities said Molong’s killing has sparked tensions between the Mohina and Lodwara communities because the relatives of the murdered rainmaker seek to avenge him.

According to Otuho tradition, the role of the rainmaker is to ensure it rains in time to allow farming and he is entitled to a share of the harvest and livestock from every village he serves.

Tito Abas, the former executive director in the defunct Kidepo Valey County, said he is worried about the tension escalating as the Mohina and Lodwara communities are organizing to attack each other and he called on the government to intervene.

“On the side of Mohina, they killed one rainmaker called Augustino Molong on allegations that he is the one who stopped the rains. He was killed and women were brought to burn this person using coconut branch and the person burnt to ashes,” he explained. “It is now creating tension between Lodwara and Mohina and now people fear crossing and reaching the Chorokol center yet this is where pregnant women and children go and get medication.”

No suspects have been apprehended but the executive director said those responsible will be charged with murder.

Meanwhile, Joseph Lokolong Jenisio, the commissioner of Ikotos County, said he could not comment on the matter because he lacked detailed information.

I cannot actually tell you exactly what had happened because they did not deliver to me the report,” he said.

For his part, the Eastern Equatoria State minister of local government and law enforcement agencies, Peter Lokeng Lotone, confirmed the incident and said security forces will be sent to investigate the issue.

CLICK HERE TODOWNLOAD PRESS RADIO MOBILE APP

“There is tension between Mohina and Lodwara over the issue of the rainmaker who was killed. It was the people of Mohina who came and took this person from a funeral rite function and killed him because they alleged that he stopped the rain,” he said. “We are aware of this incident and we are going to sit as security organs to select police to investigate the issue. It is true this revenge will happen but we have talked to the chiefs not to revenge and we are going to handle the perpetrators who will face the law”.

Source: radiotamazuj.org

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

Related Articles

Back to top button