Tonj South county commissioner suspended for shooting a civilian

JUBA – The commissioner of Tonj South County of South Sudan’s Warrap state has been suspended by Governor Aleu Anyieny after allegedly shooting a civilian with a gun and running away from law enforcement agencies.

Yesterday, Radio Tamazuj quoting anonymous sources reported that the commissioner of Tonj South County in Warrap State was on the run after he allegedly shot and injured a national security officer on Friday.

The sources said Commissioner Agor Malang Agor, shot John Emilio Khasid in the leg after the former was called in to deal with a drunken altercation the security officer caused at Lakhan Hotel in Tonj Town.

Eyewitnesses say the security officer refused to be disarmed and disparaged the commissioner for being a “mere civilian” who he could not take orders from. Commissioner Malang then drew his pistol and shot Emilio in the leg. The commissioner’s bodyguards discharged bullets in the ensuing melee.

The Warrap State information minister, Ring Deng Ading, confirmed the incident and said the commissioner run to Thiet town but that authorities are investigating the matter.

In a letter of suspension seen by Sudans Post, Governor Aleu said he commissioner has been suspended and has directed the law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures to bring him to justice.

“This is to notify you that your immunity and duties as Commissioner of Tonj South Warrap State are lifted and suspended respectively.

“The Police and the legal attorney in Tonj are hereby ordered to take appropriate legal procedures against you and present you to court for your alleged shooting of Citizen John Lemon on the night of 27^th May 2022.

“The victim which was medevac to Juba with grievous gunshot injuries have been operated upon and the bullet that penetrated to his chest (right) lacerating his liver and puncturing his right kidney is Lom a pistol of 9mm caliber.

“Since you were the only one with such weapon in the scene of crime, then you are to face the law accordingly.

“You are advised to legally get for yourself a legal counsel to assist you in your defense against any charges that shall be made against you by the prosecutors.”