Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Authorities in Tonj East County, Warrap State, have launched a manhunt for suspects who killed a cattle herder and later exchanged fire with security forces on Monday.
The two unidentified gunmen, suspected to be from Wunlit and Ngapagok Payams, allegedly ambushed and killed a cattle herder and raided fifteen cows on Monday evening.
The victim, identified as Mariel Arou, was reportedly driving his herd from Tonj South County to Makuac Payam in Tonj East County when the attackers struck and stole his livestock.
Speaking to Eye Radio at the crime scene on Tuesday morning, Tonj East County Commissioner Abraham Machuei said security forces were immediately deployed after his office received the report.
According to the commissioner, the suspects were shot and injured during the pursuit but managed to escape. He said the stolen cattle were later recovered.
“They ambushed the man, identified as Marial Arou from Makuac Payam. Once we received the information, our forces on the ground pursued the criminals until they made contact.
“A confrontation took place between the criminals and our forces. All the cattle were recovered, and two of the criminals were wounded. On our side, all our forces are safe,” said Commissioner Machuei.
He added that although the wounded suspects escaped, they are believed to be in critical condition. Security forces have intensified their search and have already identified the suspects.
The commissioner also said a heavy deployment is in place to prevent the injured suspects from accessing medical treatment in nearby facilities.
“We have already deployed forces to the area under the command of Brigadier General Makuac Achien, who is now stationed in Danga. We are searching for the criminals to apprehend them, as we have identified their names from both Wunlit and Ngapagok. They are responsible for the killing, and the main perpetrator was injured during the incident. We have deployed forces along the roads to monitor which hospital they might attempt to reach for treatment,” he said.
Commissioner Machuei assured the public that the general security situation in Tonj East remains calm, describing the killing as an isolated incident.
The incident comes a day after the commissioner announced plans for a forceful disarmament of armed civilians in Tonj East County.
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