Three people killed, two injured in South Darfur shooting

September 9, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Three people were killed and two others injured in an attack by an unidentified armed group on al-Hamaraya area in al-Salam locality, 46km south of South Darfur’s state capital, Nyala.

A family member of one of the victims told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that unknown gunmen on camels fired shots at the victims while they were sleeping at about midnight (local time) on Monday, leading to the deaths of three people and injuring two others, adding that the perpetrators fled the scene after looting residents’ property.

A source within the police station in the locality who spoke on condition of anonymity said the police rushed to the crime scene and followed all legal procedures.

The area residents denounced the attack and demanded that the local government secure the area.

South Darfur state has witnessed a near total security breakdown in recent months with recurrent incidents of looting, banditry and murder including from pro-government militias.

Businessmen and commercial convoys in South Darfur are regularly attacked by armed gangs which demand ransom for their release.

On 15 July, Jar al-Nabi declared a one-month emergency order in South Darfur state, including a curfew from 7pm to 7am in Nyala.

Last month, the state security committee decided to renew the order indefinitely and called on civilians to hand over any weapons they have in their possession.

The decision also banned riding of motorcycles by more than one person, vehicles driving around without license plates, and wearing a kadamool (a turban which covers the face).

It also prohibited tinted glasses on cars in Nyala, even for government officials, unless permission is being obtained from the traffic police. The decision further prevented firing of gunshots in social events in Nyala.

A special tribunal has been set up to investigate crimes, and residents were supplied with phone numbers to contact authorities to report crimes and other violations of the emergency laws.

However, the emergency committee in the state suffers from lack of funding despite the monthly 10 pound (SDG) deduction imposed on government employees to cover the emergency expenses.

(ST)