Five people, including three women, were killed, and three others sustained gunshot injuries in an attack at the Namurunyang gold mining area in Kapoeta South County of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State on Thursday.
Kapoeta South authorities reported that suspected criminals from Budi County attacked gold miners, resulting in the deaths of three women and two men. Three individuals are in critical condition and are currently receiving medical treatment at Kapoeta Civil Hospital.
On Wednesday, political and community leaders from Greater Kapoeta, including those from north, south, east, and Budi County, gathered in Kapoeta town to discuss mechanisms for ending conflicts in the four counties.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore, along with other senior political figures, stakeholders at various levels, state and national MPs, civil society members, youth, women, and political and traditional leaders, participated in a two-day dialogue organized by the state ministry of peace-building, with funding from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Kapoeta Town Mayor Elia Lokuda Lonyia told Radio Tamazuj Friday that the incident occurred at 9 am when suspected criminals attacked gold miners.
He stated, “A very distressing incident took place yesterday, with criminals attacking people in a river where gold mining was underway. Five people were killed, and three others were injured. Among the victims, three were women and two were men. According to available information, the suspects are believed to be criminals from Didinga. This incident unfolded yesterday morning around 9 AM. It’s disheartening to witness such acts, especially when people are actively working towards peace. Criminals disrupt the peaceful coexistence that others are striving for.”
Alfred Odong, the Executive Director of Budi County, acknowledged reports of youth from the Budi area attacking gold miners. He mentioned that Budi and Kapoeta South authorities are currently in Kapoeta town, actively investigating the matter.
“I received information from the Commissioner, who is currently in Kapoeta. He confirmed that the incident occurred in a place called Lokale. The Commissioner assured me that he would personally investigate the matter and provide us with accurate details. He mentioned heading to Kapoeta on the Ngauro side to gather the right information,” he stated.
Charles Onen Lokwaruk, Chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network, strongly condemns the act, urging the government to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. He cautions citizens against resorting to violence, emphasizing the importance of respecting the law and the right to life.
“As civil society, we condemn this lawlessness where members of our communities, illegally armed, resort to violence, resulting in the untimely loss of lives. We condemn such barbaric and inhuman actions, especially those aimed at carrying out cattle raiding. The Government of Eastern Equatoria State should take all necessary steps to apprehend the culprits and ensure they face the rule of law. We continue to implore our members to respect the law and uphold the rights of individuals,” he lamented.