By Yang Ater Yang
Four people have been detained in Rumbek East County, Lakes State following a clash, resulting into death of one person while injuring11 others.
The clash occurred between two sub-clans, Pan-dor and Pan Yuol, in Biling-daldiar village under Cuei-gak Payam of Rumbek East County.
The confrontation involved the use of wooden sticks, leading to 11 serious injuries.
Among the injured, one person succumbed to the injuries at Rumbek State Hospital, where all the victims had been transferred for treatment.
Lakes State Police Spokesperson, Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac describes the security situation as calm but with a few isolated incidents.
According to police reports, the fighting began when some youth ambushed others on the road.
Maj. Mabor said the fighting started over a 12-year-old girl who was going to fetch at a nearby water point.
One group accused the other, of having an inappropriate conversation with the girl but the boys denied the allegations, stating that the girl was too young for such matters.
The argument escalated into a physical fight involving sticks, drawing in additional participants.
He said the deceased was a passerby who was attempting to separate the youth. He was beaten by one of the youth.
“The individual was subsequently rushed to the hospital but did not survive. The police have arrested four suspects in connection with the incident and are investigating their involvement. Efforts are ongoing to identify any additional culprits,” he said.
Daniel Laat Kon, the coordinator of the Community Empowerment Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence in the region.
He noted that there have been six recorded cases of violence and fighting in Rumbek North County and the recent incident in Rumbek East County.
These cases have resulted in fatalities, emphasizing the urgent need for local chiefs to control the youth and promote peace and reconciliation.
Kon underlined the importance of building trust and confidence among the youth and urged the government to respond promptly to reported incidents.
He called for early warning systems and swift government intervention to prevent conflicts from escalating to such dangerous levels.