By Philip Buda Ladu
A series of violent incidents, including killings, assaults, and inter-communal clashes, with 23 deaths, have been reported across the country in the last 24 hours.
According to a security report released by the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), while the overall security situation has been described as “relatively calm and stable,” the report details several alarming incidents.
These 23 deaths occurred in various states and administrative areas across the country, with Central Equatoria State witnessing a spate of violent crimes, including four deaths.
The police reported that two unidentified bodies were discovered in separate locations in Juba; first a 25-year-old found near the Juba International Airport road and a 35-year-old man found inside his house in Gudele neighborhood. Police have launched investigations into both cases.
Furthermore in Amadi suburb on the outskirts of Juba, a 42-year-old man was shot and injured in both legs by unknown assailants in his home.
Tragically, a 15-year-old boy died after being assaulted with pangas by gangsters in Juba’s New Site residential area and the police are pursuing the suspects.
In Warrap State, inter-communal violence resulted in significant loss of life.
Clashes between the Muok and Thony clans in Tonj South County left six people dead. In a similar incident, further 10 people were killed and 12 injured in fighting between the Kuei and Pan-Arek clans in Tonj North County on January 12th.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Gogrial West County, a 50-year-old woman was reportedly beaten to death by a young man using stick and police have arrested the 32-year-old suspect.
Police authorities in Ruweng Administrative Area reported an attempted cattle raid in Jaw County, where two people were injured, and local youth managed to retrieve the 45 stolen cattle.
Furthermore, in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, a 5-year-old child was found dead in a stream in Jur River County, police are investigating the circumstances.
In a separate and concerning development in Wau town, a 33-year-old woman died during a surgical procedure at a private clinic. Following a warrant of arrest, police have apprehended three doctors as investigations continue.
A suicide was also reported in Eastern Equatoria State in which a 50-year-old male teacher in Nimule town reportedly took his own life due to family issues.
Police Spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang stated that criminal cases have been opened in all respective police divisions and investigations are ongoing.
Despite the reported incidents, Col. Koang maintained that the general crime rate has dropped compared to previous statistics. The incidents, however, paint a picture of ongoing challenges to security and public safety across the country.