The High Court of South Sudan has postponed its judgment in a civil case against the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. The case originated from a shooting incident in November 2024 near the residence of former National Security Director General Akol Koor. Two plaintiffs were injured in the incident and are seeking compensation totaling US$347,152. The court's decision will determine the outcome of these civil proceedings.
The plaintiffs' advocate, Angelo Thon Pal, announced that the judgment was initially scheduled for October 26, 2026, but was postponed to October 27, 2026, due to the court's busy schedule. According to Pal, the two plaintiffs sustained multiple injuries in the incident and received immediate medical treatment. They have been receiving ongoing medical care since the incident.
The incident led to a directive from the President of the Republic in December 2024 for an investigation into the shooting. A committee headed by the Attorney General was formed, and the two victims appeared before this committee and submitted all requested documents. However, the victims have not received any outcome from the investigation, prompting them to seek legal redress through the courts.
The plaintiffs first notified the Ministry of Defence, via the Ministry of Justice, of their intention to sue. As the ministry did not respond, the plaintiffs sought and received permission to proceed with the case. The court subsequently registered the civil suit, identified as case number 276 of 2026. The Ministry of Defence was served with court summons and attended several court sessions.
The court offered both parties an opportunity for an amicable settlement, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The plaintiffs then requested the court to proceed with recording their statements in the absence of the ministry's representative. The plaintiffs are seeking full compensation for the damages and losses they sustained during the incident, including moral damages, legal fees, court costs, and other expenses.
The compensation claims detailed by Advocate Pal include US$266,152 sought by Gabriel Makuach and US$81,000 sought by Agum for material losses. These claims total US$347,152 for material damages. Additionally, Makuach's disability was assessed at 60% by the National Medical Commission following his injuries. The court's judgment is expected to determine the outcome of these civil proceedings.
The case centers on the plaintiffs' pursuit of legal remedies for injuries sustained during the November 2024 shooting. The court's judgment, initially postponed, is now expected to be delivered on a later date. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs will be required to respond to the court's decision, which may have implications for similar cases in the future.
Key points
- The High Court of South Sudan postponed its judgment in a civil case against the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs over a 2024 shooting near Akol Koor's residence.
- Two plaintiffs were injured in the November 2024 shooting and are seeking compensation totaling US$347,152.
- The court's judgment will determine the outcome of these civil proceedings and may have implications for similar cases in the future.
