By Deng Ghai Deng
A shooting in the Sherikat suburb of Juba on Sunday night resulted in one death and another injury, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded near a mobile money transfer centre when an unidentified gunman opened fire on two young individuals.
According to Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin, spokesman for the South Sudan National Police Service, the violence erupted during a police chase of suspected criminals.
The suspects began shooting at the police, who returned fire. Unfortunately, two bystanders were struck by stray bullets.
The victims have been identified as Lueth Athiek (customer), who was critically injured and later died at The Nile Kings Specialists Hospital, and a young lady Agot Alier (Mobile Operator). Medical sources report that the girl is currently in stable condition.
“The police were chasing some criminals and the criminals started shooting at the police. The police responded and in the process, one person was shot,” Justin explained. “[The victim] was a passerby he is not involved in this. Now we have arrested the suspect and the investigation is going on.”
Gen. Justin said the suspect involved in the shooting has been apprehended and investigation has started.
The police have not revealed whether this individual is a member of the police force or of the suspected ‘criminals’ who were being chased.
This shooting adds to a troubling pattern of gun-related violence in Juba and its surroundings, raising serious concerns about public safety.
Many residents attribute the rise in such incidents to South Sudan’s severe economic downturn, which has intensified social tensions and strained public resources.
On Sunday, at least five people sustained gunshot injuries after being shot at by a rogue police officer in Hai Cinema on Saturday evening.
This followed another incident on Saturday, where an unknown gunman opened fire on pedestrians at Seventh Day Round, killing one and injuring another.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), addressed the issue of rampant firearm misuse. He called for improved control and management of weapons.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, Juba remains tense, with residents demanding more effective measures to combat the escalating violence and address its possible links to the country’s economic crisis.