The South Sudan National Police Service Spokesperson, John Kassara Koang Nhial, confirmed that police in Tambura have launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of Catholic priest, Paul Tamania, on Wednesday.
The incident occurred inside Tamania’s room at the Catholic missionary church compound in Tambura County. According to Kassara, the priest, who served as the church secretary, was killed by unidentified armed individuals.
“The motive for the murder remains unclear,” Kassara stated. “A criminal case has been opened at the Tambura County police division, and the investigation is ongoing.” No suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Tamania’s killing adds to the record of many anti-clerical incidents witnessed across South Sudan. In April 2021, Bishop Christian Carlassare, an Italian Roman Catholic priest appointed to lead the Diocese of Rumbek, was shot in the legs by gunmen who stormed his residence on April 25.
The attackers searched for his room, fired at the door to gain entry, and injured him. Witnesses reported that the assailants were armed and determined, with Carlassare shouting for help during the attack. He was treated at a hospital in Kenya and survived.
In June 2020, Anglican priest Daniel Garang Ayuen was killed during an attack on the Episcopal Church of South Sudan’s Diocese of Athooch in Jonglei State. Gunmen stormed the church compound, resulting in at least 23 deaths and 20 injuries. The attack was part of broader communal violence in the region, involving clashes between the Nuer, Dinka, and Murle ethnic groups.
In a separate incident, police are also investigating an attack by two armed men at a hospital in Tambura, where they injured one person and stole two motorcycles.
Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Major General Phillip Madut Tong confirmed that investigations are underway, and the public has been placed on high alert following the two incidents.
According to Commissioner Madut, calm has returned to Tambura, though the attacks have sparked fear among residents. “The situation is now stable, and security forces are working to identify the suspects,” he said. He urged communities to report anyone carrying weapons, except for authorised soldiers, emphasising that such individuals should be considered suspicious.
“Some perpetrators wear uniforms, leading people to believe these are accidents, but they are deliberate crimes,” Madut explained. “After committing these acts, they flee into nearby bushes.” He encouraged citizens to report anyone seen in local uniforms carrying guns to security forces.
Insecurity in the region, linked to political, internal, and inter-communal conflicts, has continued to claim lives and displace hundreds since 2021.
