Police officer shot dead in Rumbek Central County

RUMBEK – A policeman, identified as Santino Meen Manyuat, was on Wednesday fatally shot by suspected armed criminals from Cueibet county at Apet village in Malek Payam, Rumbek Central County.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Thursday, Lakes State Police Spokesperson Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac said, apart from this incident, the security situation remained normal and calm over the last 24 hours.

Maj. Mabor Makuac reported that the incident occurred around 1:00 PM yesterday. “Armed criminals believed to be from Cueibet county arrived and abandoned some goats near the police post,” he said.

“When Sergeant Santino Meen Manyuat questioned them about the goats, they turned and fatally shot him before fleeing, leaving the goats behind,” he added.

Maj. Makuac said the police are currently conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators responsible for this crime.

“This was the only incident reported yesterday, and our forces are actively pursuing the criminals involved,” he said.

In response to the heightened security concerns in the area, additional forces, including police personnel and soldiers from other organized forces such as wildlife, have been deployed to Apet village to bolster security along the road due to frequent incidents of intruders, looting, and violence, particularly attributed to individuals from Cueibet county.

“The deployment was deemed necessary, especially considering the recent crisis in Rumbek North county between cattle keepers from Rumbek North and Luanyjang cattle keepers from Tonj East county,” he added.

He further noted that while a significant portion of the forces stationed in Malek Payam were moved to Maper, a few remained in Malek Payam to maintain security.

Highlighting the challenges faced in communication due to the lack of network coverage in the area.

“Communication poses a significant challenge in this region, with no network coverage available. Individuals often have to climb trees to find network signals to relay information,” he said.

“The police continue to work diligently to address security concerns and maintain peace and stability in Rumbek Central County amidst ongoing challenges,” he added.