The recent murder of the muezzin, a person who proclaims the call to the daily prayer in a mosque at Nimara Talata highlights a need for strict legislation regulating the sale of sharp instruments, such as knives, pangas, and axes.

According to authorities, the killer who seemed mentally unstable used a panga to fatally attack the muezzin, instantly killing him and injuring another individual. This raises questions about how such a dangerous weapon was accessible to him.

Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated. Reports of similar killings in Juba, often involving pangas or knives, have been recorded.

These sharp instruments are readily available throughout the city, with young boys even hawking them on the streets. They are available to anyone who can afford them, regardless of their intentions or mental state.

The gang groups exploit this easy access, purchasing these weapons to terrorize the community.

The unrestricted sale of these dangerous tools endangers public safety.

There is need for a legislation to control the sale of pangas, to ensure that they are only sold to responsible individuals, such as farmers, and those deemed mentally stable.

Such legislation would also ensure that shop owners are held accountable for ensuring their products do not end up in the hands of those who might use them for harm.

We must take action to protect communities from further violence and such killings.