Woman, newborn child shot dead in Lakes state – police

JUBA – South Sudan’s Lakes state authorities are saying that an unidentified armed criminal has shot dead a lactating woman and her newborn child at Pacong Payam of the Rumbek East County.

This comes exactly two months after two breastfeeding women were shot dead at Akot Payam of the very same Rumbek East County by suspected armed raiders from Yirol West County of Lakes State.

According to state police spokesman Captain Elijah Mabor, the woman identified as Nyitur Mapuor Chut Dhuol was shot dead on Monday before midnight at their home along with the infant.

“An unidentified armed criminal gained an entry into the house at Pacong at around 11 PM and opened fire, killing the lactating mother and her baby,” the police spokesman said, according to Eye Radio.

There is no clear established reason for the killing, but the police officer believes that it was an act of revenge.

The incident occurred days after at least 17 people were killed and 22 others wounded in communal fighting in Lakes state.