S. Sudan: 5 SPLA policemen, Arab nomad killed in market gun fight

RUMBEK, Feb 22, 2005 (Sudan Radio Service) — Four people of Arab origin and one Dinka man came to a place called Akoch, one of the payams in Twich. So when they were asked what they were coming to do there they told the commissioner that they were looking for grazing land.

Members of the New Sudan Police practice a drill , Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005 in Rumbek in southern Sudan. (AP).

Then when the interrogation went further they again said they wanted food, therefore, they should be allowed to go to the market.

Sudan relief and rehabilitation commission official Dominic Deng indicated “When they got to the market they got the local authorities – what they call shurta, and they were asked to give their guns, they refused and when the shurta approached them to get the guns from them, immediately they shot the guy”.

“Five of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army police were shot dead, then in retaliation one of the Murahiliin was injured but also died.” Deng added.

The other three Murahiliin reportedly abandoned their camels and ran away. The SPLA told SRS they are in hot pursuit of the three Murahiliin who are still at large.