Yambio incident raises questions in Western Equatoria
A South Sudanese journalist drowned this week in the Nakpangau river in Yambio town, according to authorities and an eyewitness. The death has drawn attention from local leaders and journalist unions as police begin to clarify what happened.
Eyewitness account of the Nakpangau river drowning
Eyewitness Justin Kirima Paul said Matia Samuel Timatio, 34, went to the river alone on Wednesday evening. Paul told Radio Tamazuj he saw Timatio arrive on a motorcycle taxi, locally known as a bodaboda.
“I was seated at Yambio Resort Hotel when I saw a young man arrive on a bodaboda,” Paul said. “He stepped down with a small bag and walked toward the river. Moments later, he entered the water and drowned.”
Paul added that people nearby attempted a rescue but were unable to save him. The account suggests the incident unfolded quickly, leaving bystanders with limited time to respond.
Body recovered after overnight wait, union says
Timatio’s body was recovered on Thursday morning. Emmanuel Mandela, secretary general of the Western Equatoria State branch of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said people gathered by the river but the body was not visible when they arrived.
“We waited overnight, and this morning, a volunteer entered the water and recovered the body,” Mandela said. The recovery brought a measure of clarity for relatives and colleagues, even as broader questions remained.
Career record spans VOA and local radio stations
Mandela described Timatio as a committed journalist who had worked with several media houses, including VOA, before returning to his hometown after his contract ended. Colleagues portrayed him as active in the profession across national and local outlets.
Yambio Mayor Fozia Abbas Barnaba Bangasu confirmed the death, saying Timatio had previously worked with VOA and later with Anisa FM and Yambio FM. She said he was married and aged 34.
Police investigation underway into circumstances of death
Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said an investigation is underway. “The police received information that the journalist entered the river by himself,” Tong said.
“We are conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and his intentions for entering the water,” Tong added. Officials have not publicly detailed any further findings.
Journalists’ safety concerns return to the spotlight
Mandela said the union was concerned, noting Timatio is the fourth journalist to die in South Sudan in recent years. The statement reflects anxiety within media circles, as peers call for clear information and sustained attention to safety.
At the time of his death, Timatio was working with government-owned Yambio FM. His previous roles included Catholic-owned Anisa FM, City Review Newspaper, Citizen Newspaper and other Juba-based radio stations.