12 policemen injured in Lakes state accident

December 10, 2014 (RUMBEK) – A car accident in South Sudan’s Lakes state Monday left at least 12 policemen in critical conditions.

According to state authorities, the accident, which occurred at Rumbek Central county, involved a police patrol vehicle. Those injured have been admitted at Rumbek hospital.

A police officer, who asked not to be named, blamed the incident on over speeding and wrong overtaking by the police patrol driver.

He said the driver of the police car has been arrested, but no death occurred while the injured were receiving treatment in hospital.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen reportedly attacked the house of the caretaker governor, Matur Chut Dhuol at Pacong, about 12 miles from Rumbek Central county.

“The group opened fire on the concrete building forcing the governor’s wife to flee the house with help from police guarding the residents,” an eyewitness said Wednesday.

Lakes state has been blighted by instability since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011 and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan revenge clashes. Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for Dhuol’s removal over claims he has failed to stem ongoing violence, although president Salva Kiir ignores these calls.

Dhuol was appointed the caretaker governor by president Kiir in January 2013.

(ST)