Lakes: ministry bodyguard killed by unknown gunman in Rumbek

November 26, 2013 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Lakes state’s Rumbek Central county said a bodyguard employed by the ministry of information and communication had been shot dead by an unknown gunman on Monday.

The bodyguard, who has been named as Sergeant James Ret Makoi, was shot about 9pm (local time) in Ronga Road, 3kms from Rumbek Central county. It’s understood the bodyguard was on his way home after returning from a trip to Wulu county with the minister of information and communication, Dut Makoi Kuok.

Rumbek Central county police said Makoi was rushed to hospital with severe gunshot wounds to his shoulder, but later died before doctors could operate.

An officer from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the bodyguard’s death sent a strong signal to organised forces operating in Lakes state.

According to the officer, Makoi, who was about 35 years old, previously worked for the fire department, before being employed to provide protection for Kuok.

Police and various security agents are currently searching for the suspect.

The incident marks the first time a ministerial bodyguard has been killed in Rumbek.

Lakes state has been the scene of a series of revenge killings, amid widespread public discontent over the rule of military caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol.

A number of Dhuol’s decisions, as well as the continued arbitrary arrest of his critics has come under increased scrutiny.

A group of chiefs in Rumbek East county, where the governor’s home village is located, recently sent a petition to the highest body of the South Sudanese government – the Council of State – calling for authorities to reverse a land survey in Pacong payam.

Lakes state employees, as well as local chiefs have also expressed concerns about Lakes state’s system of governance. In a controversial move, the government has announced that civil servants will face a 5% pay cut as part of a compulsory contribution to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Meanwhile, Wulu’s newly-appointed commissioner, Benjamin Akol Muorwel, has backed Dhuol’s stance, saying that he will chop off the hands of anyone found to be criticising his boss.

The threat follows the arrest and alleged torture of three chiefs earlier this month after they were accused of publicly criticising the governor at a community event on 16 November.

(ST)