BREAKING | Awerial commissioner survives gunfire in Mingkaman

JUBA – The Commissioner of Awerial County of South Sudan’s Lakes state Simon Jok Geng has survived a an attack during a wrestling match on Saturday in Mingkaman after gunfire erupted between the police and members of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).

A soldier belonging to South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF) on Saturday opened fire at Geng as the later tried to stop the armed confrontation between police and soldiers of SSPDF during wrestling match in Mingkaman.

Geng told Sudans Post on Sunday that nobody was injured during the heavy exchange of gunfire between army soldiers and police.

“The confrontation occurred when one soldier slapped one of the police officers during wrestling competition, prompting the police officers to respond and both engaged in physical fight. Two were separated but later brought their guns,” Jok said.

“As I intervened to separate two sides from fighting, one of the soldiers opened fire at me but the bullet missed me and he was later disarmed and taken to prison,” Jok added.

Jok disclosed that six soldiers including the soldier who shot at him were arrested and are in custody awaiting trial.

“The first fight was just a mere confrontation involving slap but the army returned to their base and later grabbed their guns and started advancing toward police. I was later informed and I rushed to calm the situation but one of the soldiers shot at me but I wasn’t hurt,” Jok said.

“I want to the civil population living in Awerial County and the business community to go about their normal activities. The situation has been contained and there is nothing to worry about,” he added.