Warrap state security forces hunt killer gunman

December 9, 2014 (JUBA) – Security forces in South Sudan’s Warrap state are hunting a gunman who killed five people and wounded several others in two villages of Gogrial West county.

“I have seen bodies of five people whom I am told were killed in the rampage shooting after the suspect had burned down to ashes the house of the chief before he ran away,” Baak told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.

“He was shooting randomly at anyone that he suspected as coming to catch to him. That’s how he killed these people and people believe many may have died in this manner,” he added.

The suspect, Aguang Piol Aguang reportedly disagreed with his brother, Piol Piol Aguang over family property and the matter was referred to the chief who ruled in the latter’s favour. Chief Deng Wol Ngang’s house was burnt to ashes.

“This agitated him and he decided to go to the house of the chief yesterday [Monday] in the night, but good enough the chief was not in his house,” said Baak, adding that the local chief may have acted on a tip-off from residents in the area.

“He had gone to sleep in another house. It’s like he knew what was going to happen. I am told he heard from people in the village,” he said.

Dut Monynhial, another eyewitness, said the shoot-out frightened many people in the village, as many preferred to remain indoors.

“We heard so many gunshots at random. It was unbelievable,” he said.

Gogrial West commissioner Makuc Aru Luac expressed his sympathy and sent condolences to families of those affected by the tragedy.

“It is unfortunate someone decided to make people go into pain. The affected family members now are experiencing the most inconceivable pain, and our hearts go out to everybody involved,” said Luac.

“Security forces have been dispatched to the village and surrounding areas to look for the suspect,” he added.

(ST)