Police officer shot dead as security forces clash with criminals in Lakes State

RUMBEK – A police officer was killed, and two security personnel were injured in a clash with a wanted criminal in Lakes State, authorities said on Wednesday.

Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, the Lakes State police spokesperson, told Sudans Post that the incident occurred at around 12:30 a.m. on January 15 in Yar Malual Kodi village, Rumbek Centre County.

The suspect, described as one of the state’s most wanted criminals, had been implicated in the killing of two people in Cueicok and along the Rumbek North County road.

Security forces, accompanied by the Rumbek Centre County commissioner, attempted to arrest him when the confrontation occurred.

“Unfortunately, the suspect resisted arrest, killed a police officer, and injured two others—one from the police and another from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF)—before fleeing,” Makuac told reporters.

The two injured officers were evacuated to Rumbek State Hospital for treatment, while security forces continue to pursue the suspect.

“My message to the community is to cooperate with security forces and provide any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest,” Makuac said. “This is a tragic incident, and we must ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.”

Makuac extended his condolences to the family of the fallen officer. “May God comfort you and protect the orphans left behind,” he said.

Angelina Adhel Malual, a representative of the Civil Society Organization Network in Lakes State, condemned the ongoing violence against security personnel, warning that such attacks undermine community safety.

“These are the people who protect us and our communities. It is unacceptable that we continue to turn against them,” Malual said. “This must end in 2025.”

She called on the government to implement stronger security measures and for the community to respect uniformed personnel, regardless of their background.

“The uniform is a national symbol that must be respected. This violence, often tied to communal conflicts in Lakes State, needs to stop,” she added.

Malual urged the government to establish a system that safeguards security forces and strengthens their role in maintaining peace.

Authorities have not yet made any arrests, and investigations into the suspect’s whereabouts are ongoing.