By Yang Ater Yang
A police officer was killed and two soldiers were injured by a wanted criminal in Yar Malual village, Rumbek Center County.
According to Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, the police spokesperson in Lakes State, the incident occurred on January 15 at 12:30 AM.
The ‘most wanted criminal’, who had recently killed two people in Cueicok and along the road in Rumbek North County, clashed with security forces in Yar Malual Kodi village.
This confrontation resulted in the death of one police officer and injuries to two security personnel—one from the police force and the other from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Major Makuac explained that the criminal was intercepted, prompting security forces to pursue him along with the commissioner of Rumbek Center County in an effort to apprehend him.
“Unfortunately, he resisted arrest, managed to kill some individuals, and fled. As of now, security forces are still searching for him to determine his whereabouts so he can be arrested,” he stated.
The two injured security personnel were evacuated to Rumbek State Hospital for treatment, while their colleagues continued the pursuit of the criminal.
“This is very unfortunate news for us this morning,” he added. He urged the community to cooperate with security forces and provide information regarding the criminal’s whereabouts. “This is my only message to the community,” he remarked.
Makuac expressed his condolences to the family and relatives of the fallen officer, saying, “I pray that God will comfort you and help you care for their orphans.”
Angelina Adhel Malual, from the civil society organization Network in Lakes State, it is unacceptable that officers are being killed.
“I have witnessed this happen many times. Whenever troops are deployed to handle a situation, the community often turns against them. This must end by 2025,” she said.
She emphasized the need for the government to establish effective procedures for the protection of the community and its soldiers.
“The community cannot stand alone without government protection; it is discouraging,” she said.
“We require the government to create a respectful system for uniformed personnel, regardless of their origins or affiliations. This situation is connected to the communal conflicts occurring in Lakes State.”
Malual insisted that the uniform represents the nation and should be respected.
“This must change by 2025 through proper legislation, and the community must understand the importance of the uniform itself, rather than just the individual wearing it.”