By Yang Ater Yang
At least 49 head of cattle were stolen and SSP 500,000 robbed from a man in Tonj County, Warrap State, on Thursday evening.
According to Lakes State Police Spokesperson, Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the incident occurred at around 5:00 PM in the Malou-pech area of Cueibet County.
Police identified the victim as Achol Malual, who was transporting the cattle from Tonj to Yirol for business purposes.
“We have registered a case where 49 head of cattle were raided, along with 500,000 SSP and a phone from the victim,” the police spokesperson said
The police suspect the man was intercepted and robbed by raiders.
“The suspects are believed to be from Tonj County, Warrap State.” Maj. Makuac added.
According to the police officer, the victim was left with nothing as he was believed to have bought the cattle for business.
““He was coming from Tonj, where people often buy cattle and then transport them to Lakes State or even Juba. He was walking the cattle, accompanied by others, when they were attacked and everything was taken” the police spokesperson narrated.
Maj. Makuac issued an appeal to the people of neighboring Warrap State, particularly Tonj County to help in apprehending the raiders.
“I urge them to work with the people of Lakes State to identify and apprehend the criminals who are disrupting the peace and security along our shared border” he stated. These individuals must be brought to justice.”
Another raid
Meanwhile in a similar incident three head of cattle were stolen by unknown gunmen in an early morning raid on a village in Cueibet County, Lakes State, according to Police Spokesperson Maj. Elijah Makuac.
He stated that the incident occurred at around 2:00 AM on in the village of Alel-tiel, Abiriu Payam.
According to the police spokesperson gunmen reportedly fired shots to startle residents and then stole the cattle while people fled the scene.
Maj. Makuac confirmed the incident, stating: “Three head of cattle were stolen during a raid by unknown individuals. The criminals started shooting in the compound, causing residents to flee, and then took the cattle before disappearing.”
He further mentioned investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties reported.