South Sudan murder trial adjourned after bail absconders
The Juba court postponed the case of six accused of killing Reverend Christopher Maring until November 19.
A court sitting at Juba Central Prison adjourned the hearing for six individuals accused of killing Reverend Christopher Maring, a senior cleric of the African Inland Church, to November 19. The adjournment occurred because two of the accused, who had been released on bail, did not appear for the proceedings on Thursday, November 5.
Prosecutor Lilian Gorge informed Eye Radio that Judge Peter Mazen postponed the trial due to the absence of the two bail recipients. Gorge stated the prosecution asked the court to examine the conditions under which bail was granted. The six accused face charges including murder, robbery, and use of firearms under the South Sudan Penal Code Act, 2008.
Reverend Maring was killed at his Juba residence in January 2026 after armed men reportedly entered his home. Police used mobile phone tracking to arrest the suspects, with one having fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo before his apprehension. The trial is expected to resume on November 19.
Why it mattersThe trial of six individuals accused of murdering Reverend Christopher Maring has been adjourned due to the absence of two bail recipients.