S. Sudan probes killing of senior security officer

January 1, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese authorities have launched investigations into circumstances under which gunmen killed a security officer in its Western Equatoria state.

The deputy speaker of the national assembly, Jasmine Samuel who comes from the area said it would be imprudent to act on speculations on those involved in the killing.

“I say this unfortunate incident should not be politicised. The people involved should be searched and brought to book so that such a thing is not repeated in the future in Mundri area,” Samuel told Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

The MP said the people of Mundri county are law abiding citizens.

“The culture of impunity has never been our way of life and this is why people should refrain from speculations with no basis”, said Samuel.

The lawmaker further demanded that a joint investigation be carried out to unearth the culprits and justice be allowed to take its course.

“We cannot build a nation when we are constantly suspicious of each other and when we want to avenge. This is not the kind of nation we wanted to establish”, said the lawmaker.

Joseph Ngere, another member of the national parliament from Mundri area, also called for a joint probe involving security experts from the state and national levels.

Ngere said county authorities and local people had put in place special measures to deal with any situation that was likely to threaten stability and tranquility of the area.

Arop Yuot, a lawmaker who hails from the deceased’s home area in Unity state, expressed shock at Awet’s death, which his family members strongly condemned.

Until now, motives behind the killing of the senior officer remain unknown.

(ST)