SPLA operations commander dies of suspected food poisoning in Wau

[Elisabeth Janaina]

SPLA operations commander dies of suspected food poisoning in Wau
File photo
File photo

A senior SPLA officer has died of suspected food poisoning after
eating food during a workshop organized in Wau town in South Sudan’s
Wau State on Thursday, a municipal official said.

The mayor of Wau town Dominic Emilio told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon
that Can. Mathok Akec, who was the Acting Operations Commander in Wau,
was taken to hospital yesterday but died later due to suspected food
poisoning during a four-day workshop in Wau.

He pointed out that about 57 officers who attended the workshop
reported gastrointestinal illnesses shortly after eating food during
the workshop yesterday and were rushed to the hospital.

“The suspected food poisoning was confirmed yesterday after Mathok
died. I don’t know the organization that organized the workshop for
the SPLA officers at Griniti. The participants were being served with
food prepared by hotels in Wau,” Dominic said.

He pointed out that the final report by doctors is not yet released.

SPLA deputy spokesman Santo Domic said Can. Mathok Akec was reported
to have died of suspected food poisoning during a workshop organized
for SPLA officers at Grinti military barracks in Wau.

“The workshop was organized by UNMISS, so the workshop lasted for
several days. The meals were being served to the participants by a
hotel in Wau,” said Santo.

He pointed out that investigations are underway. “We are still
investigating the matter, so when the final report is out I will give
you more details,” he said.

UNMISS officials could not immediately be reached for comment.