Lakes State, South Sudan
March 8, 2022— Authorities in Lakes State confirmed that they have arrested an officer, who was serving in the South Sudan Police Services (SSPS), for killing a young girl and wounded two others over the weekend.
The victims were among 17 passengers in a public vehicle traveling from Aweil to Juba whose driver lost his way and headed towards Maper of Rumbek North County.
Speaking to media on Sunday, Lakes State police spokesperson Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac said, while returning from Maper, the driver met the policeman who started shooting at the vehicle.
Mabor said the alleged policeman followed the vehicle without permission and took laws to his own hands.
“We don’t know what happened and what came into the mind of the officer but he just opened fire on the vehicle killing one young girl and two others wounded including another girl,” Mabor said. “So, this officer was under the influence of alcohol, he was drunk. He was not sent by any authority.” he added.
According to Mabor, the policeman was immediately arrested and up to now he is under arrest and the vehicle and passengers plus the deceased and wounded were evacuated from there to Rumbek where the dead body will be given to the family for burial.
Major Mabor said the incident has astonished the people of Lakes state.
“. I would want to declare that this incident shall be considered as an isolated incident and it will be investigated thoroughly until facts are found.”, he emphasized.
The police official said the suspect who gave a statement this morning told the police that he was not aware of what happened but suspects that the people on the vehicle were smugglers supplying ammunition to Rumbek North communities.
Abraham Ariath, an uncle to the deceased who was identified as Akon Deng Kuac, said the deceased was a student in Juba and was returning for studies.
