Court Delays Ruling in 2024 Shooting Case That Injured Two Near Akol Koor’s Residence

By Jenifer James

The High Court has postponed its judgment in a civil case against the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. The case stems from a November 2024 shooting near the residence of former National Security Director General Akol Koor, which injured two plaintiffs.

The court’s decision will determine compensation claims totaling US$347,152.

Angelo Thon Pal, the plaintiffs’ advocate, announced on Monday that the judgment, initially scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, was postponed to Tuesday, October 27, due to the court’s busy schedule.

Pal stated that the two plaintiffs sustained multiple injuries in the incident and received immediate medical treatment.

“The two plaintiffs sustained several injuries in different parts of their bodies and were taken to hospital for treatment,” Pal confirmed.

 He added that the victims have been receiving ongoing medical care since the incident.

According to Pal, the President of the Republic issued a directive in December 2024 for an investigation into the incident, leading to the formation of a committee headed by the Attorney General.

The two victims appeared before this committee and submitted all requested documents.

 “The committee concluded its work and submitted the report to the Presidency. However, the victims have not received any outcome from the investigation,” Pal noted.

After failing to obtain a resolution through the investigation, the plaintiffs decided to seek legal redress through the courts.

They 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 through its legal adviser and attended several court sessions.

Pal stated that 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.

Advocate Pal detailed the compensation claims: his client, Gabriel Makuach, is seeking US$266,152, while the second plaintiff, Agum, is claiming US$81,000 for material losses.

These claims total US$347,152 for material damages, excluding additional claims for moral damages, legal fees, court costs, and other expenses.

“My clients are seeking full compensation for the damages and losses they sustained during the incident. They are also claiming court fees, advocates’ fees and all other expenses they have incurred,” Pal stated.

 He added that Makuach’s disability was assessed at 60% by the National Medical Commission following his injuries.

Monday’s session was initially scheduled for the final judgment, but the judge postponed it until Tuesday.

The case centers on the plaintiffs’ pursuit of legal remedies for injuries sustained during the November 2024 shooting, and the court’s judgment is expected to determine the outcome of these civil proceedings.