4 killed in separate incidents in South Sudan’s restive Lakes State

RUMBEK – Four people were killed in separate incidents in Cueibet County, Lakes State, in late July, according to local authorities.

Police spokesperson Elijah Mabor Makuach told Sudans Post that a group of armed criminals from Rumbek Center County attacked Agarial village in Cueibet County, stealing nine head of cattle.

“The cattle owners, together with security personnel, pursued the criminals until they clashed at Alel-tual village under Abiriu Payam in Cueibet County,” Makuach said.

“During the confrontation, one security personnel, a sergeant from the prison service, was killed. The attackers also suffered one fatality and one injury. All the stolen cattle were recovered,” he added.

Makuach added that authorities had identified the criminals and were pursuing them. “We have identified their names, and security forces are working to apprehend them,” he said.

The police spokesperson also reported two separate killings in Mayath Payam. One person was killed in Makuei village at around 4:00 PM, and another in Cuei cattle camp at 6:00 PM.

The victims were identified as Manyang Joric and Magang Mayuang, respectively.

Authorities suspect the killings are linked to cattle theft, with the perpetrators believed to be from the Panyar section of Tiaptiap Payam.

“We have deployed security personnel to investigate these cases, identify the criminals, and recover the stolen cattle,” Makuach said.

Amidst the violence, Makuach warned of an impending humanitarian crisis due to floods and hunger. “I urge the population to remain calm, engage in agriculture to ensure food security, and cooperate with security forces in apprehending criminals,” he said.

Daniel Laat Kon, coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the violence and blamed it on cattle theft and the proliferation of firearms.

“Cattle theft is a major driver of conflict in the region,” Kon said. “The government must disarm civilians and strengthen security forces to prevent further violence.”

Kon called on the government to hold the perpetrators accountable and protect civilians and their property.