By Philip Buda Ladu
South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has released a security report covering January 14th and 15th, 2025, detailing a range of incidents across the country.
Although, Col. John Kassara Koang, the SSNPS spokesman described the general security situation as relatively “calm” the 2-day security brief documented several criminal activities and instances of violence that resulted in deaths and injuries.
On January 14th, police in Melut County, Upper Nile State apprehended a 25-year-old suspect in connection with a robbery involving two smartphones and SSP 156, 000. Investigations are ongoing to locate other suspects.
On the same day, a 37-year-old man was found shot dead in Imehejek Administrative Payam, Eastern Equatoria State, along with another injured civilian and local authorities suspected the incident’s motive to be revenge-related as investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, January 15th saw a higher number of incidents reported.
In Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, a 33-year-old woman reportedly died on spot after falling from a tree.
In Central Equatoria, Juba witnessed two tragic incidents; first, a 28-year-old man was beaten to death by a group of unidentified assailants in the Gumbo Don-Bosco suburb and in the Hai Condom neighbourhood, a 23-year-old Burundian woman has reportedly died in her room; the cause of death is yet to be established.
Further incidents recorded on January 15th included an attack on a commercial boat between Ulang and Nasir counties, Upper Nile State resulting in one injury.
Also a suspected revenge-related fatal shooting in Koch County, Unity State left one person dead and two others injured and the suspect is at large.
A violent altercation between youth groups ensued in Imehejek, which resulted in the beating of a 48-year-old man who is currently nursing injuries in Torit State Hospital.
In a separate incident, an armed robbery targeting a commercial vehicle travelling from Torit to Kapoeta town, Eastern Equatoria State occurred in the Khor-sera area, where the armed criminals robbed bags, money and Mobile phones before allowing the driver to proceed to Kapoeta.
Finally, Gogrial West County, Warrap State saw two children die in a house fire; the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The police report highlights a variety of security challenges facing South Sudan, ranging from petty crime and inter-communal violence to armed robbery and unexplained deaths.
Police Spokesperson, Col. John Kassara emphasized that investigations are underway in all reported criminal cases.