KUAJOK, South Sudan – Security forces in Warrap State have seized 1,700 rounds of ammunition from a passenger travelling from Wau to Juba and detained a suspect, the authorities in Tonj South County said.
The ammunition was intercepted at the Makuei-Karthieth security checkpoint on Saturday last week, according to a statement from the county commissioner’s press unit.
“The forces on duty at the checkpoint conducted a thorough search and confiscated 1,700 rounds of ammunition (bullets) which were reportedly concealed and mixed with clothes inside a plastic bag in an attempt to evade security checks,” the statement said.
The suspect was travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado when security personnel stopped and searched the vehicle, the statement added.
Gordon Makuer Tiau, the county’s caretaker commissioner, commended the security forces and warned travellers against transporting ammunition illegally, saying the practice undermined peace efforts and contributed to violence.
The seizure comes amid renewed intercommunal violence in Tonj South, where at least 19 people were killed and 14 others injured in clashes involving rival communities in Manyangok, Ajiwel and Manyin. Homes were also reportedly burned.
In neighbouring Tonj North County, separate attacks in August and October killed at least 60 people in one incident and 72 in another. Cattle-related disputes and revenge killings have contributed to recurring violence across the Tonj region.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the ammunition shipment and identify those responsible, the county authorities said.
