By Yang Ater Yang
A tragic incident shocked Rumbek Central County, Lakes State on Thursday, when an off-duty police officer shot two young girls, leaving one dead while the other injured.
Lakes State police spokesperson, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac (in picture above), identified the officer as Sergeant Matur Majok Makuer.
Maj. Makuac said the suspect was visiting his family at a cattle camp when he heard screams coming from the bushes.
Mistaking the screams for individuals being abducted, Sergeant Makuer opened fire, hitting the two girls and he fled the scene after realizing his mistake.
“Sergeant Makuer opened fire against these people, tragically mistaking the screams for an abduction attempt,” the police spokesperson narrated.
According to police, the killing was not intentional but an accident.
Unfortunately, one of the victims identified as Ayida Deng Malual (12 years old) Sadly, succumbed to her gun wound injuries, while her colleague unidentified girl (around 12-13 years old) is hospitalized in critical condition but improving.
Police are investigating the incident and searching for Sergeant Makuer who escaped the scene after realizing he made a mistake.
“We are still investigating the case and the full information will be tomorrow.” Maj. Mabor stated.
Lakes State Police Spokesperson expressed condolences to the victim’s family and urged the perpetrator to surrender peacefully and that the issue is resolved amicably and peacefully before the court of law.
Dr. Terran Madit Terran, Rumbek State Hospital’s Medical Director, confirmed receiving the injured girl for medication attention.