The head of the Bor Community Youth Association has condemned the shooting of two civilians by members of joint security forces deployed to curb crime in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, and called for an independent investigation.
Ngong Bheer Ngong said on Monday the shootings occurred in separate incidents over the weekend. Security officers told community leaders the victims were shot after allegedly resisting arrest, but Bheer said the victims disputed that account.
According to Bheer, one victim, described as a hunter, was shot in Bor’s Block 10 area on Sunday, while another was shot near Bor State Referral Hospital on Saturday. He said one of the victims suffered serious gunshot wounds and was receiving medical treatment.
“There is no justification for security officers to shoot civilians unless a suspect is resisting arrest and poses a genuine threat,” Bheer said.
“We strongly condemn what the army did at the hospital and the shooting of the alleged poacher. We call on the security authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents and hold those responsible accountable.”
Bheer urged security personnel to exercise restraint and avoid the unnecessary use of force during law enforcement operations. He also called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the shootings.
“The authorities have promised to apprehend the suspects and take them before a military court, where they will be investigated. Witnesses from the community will also be invited to testify as part of the investigation,” he said.
He urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and comply with lawful instructions during security operations.
Despite the shootings, Bheer said the security situation in Bor had improved since the deployment of additional security forces to address rising criminal activity.
A video purporting to show one of the wounded men with severe gunshot injuries has circulated widely on social media, prompting calls from residents for state authorities to investigate the incidents.
Officials from the Jonglei State Police could not immediately be reached for comment.
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