Four suspects have been apprehended following clashes between the Pan-Yuol and Pador sub-clans of the Gony section in Cuei-Gak Payam, Rumbek East County, Lakes State. The confrontation resulted in one fatality and 11 serious injuries, including three women involved in the altercation with wooden sticks alongside men.

The incident occurred in Biling-Daldiar village in Cuei-Gak Payam on Sunday.

Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the police spokesperson in Lakes State, told Radio Tamazuj that the security situation across the state is generally calm and normal, with only a few reported incidents.

He explained that the conflict erupted between the Pan-dor and Pan Yuol sub-clans at Biling-Daldiar village, leading to 11 individuals sustaining serious injuries from the clash using wooden sticks. Unfortunately, one of the injured individuals later passed away at Rumbek State Hospital after all victims were evacuated there for treatment.

Makuac stated that according to reports, the motive behind the fighting was a confrontation between youths on the road. The clash occurred while a 12-year-old girl was walking with the group to fetch water at the water point. As the girl hurried home, the altercation ensued among the youths.

According to Major Elijah, the incident unfolded when the young girl encountered another group of young men, who were relatives of the girl. They questioned the boys she was with, accusing them of having inappropriate relations with her. The accused boys denied the allegations, explaining that the girl was too young for such accusations. However, this led to a confrontation, and the situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation involving sticks, drawing in other bystanders.

“Tragically, the deceased was traveling by vehicle from Rumbek when they came upon the scene of the fight. Upon learning about the altercation, the deceased decided to intervene to stop the fighting. However, during the attempt to separate the combatants, he was attacked and beaten by individuals from the other side. He sustained injuries and, despite being rushed to the hospital, he passed away. This is what occurred yesterday,” explained Major Elijah, the Lakes State Police Spokesperson.

According to Elijah, the police have successfully apprehended four suspects, who are currently under investigation. Authorities are continuing to pursue leads to determine if additional individuals were involved in the incident.

“Once identified, these suspects will be promptly apprehended for questioning. Among the 11 individuals who suffered serious injuries, three were women. The escalation of the fight into the village resulted in the involvement of women, leading to some of them being injured,” Elijah explained.

He emphasized that while it’s difficult to prevent fights entirely due to human nature, law enforcement agencies exist to protect individuals. “We have prisons for those found guilty by the court. While it’s challenging to prevent every altercation, law enforcement will intervene whenever violence occurs,” he stated.

Daniel Laat Kon, the Lakes State Coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), highlighted a significant rise in violence cases across Lakes State. He reported six cases of violence and fighting in Rumbek North County, along with the recent incident in Rumbek East County, characterizing these occurrences as isolated incidents emerging at present.

Laat noted that these cases often escalate to fatalities. He described how what might begin as a seemingly ordinary altercation can quickly turn deadly when weapons become involved. “For instance, as we observed in Rumbek North County some time ago, disputes initially involving sticks escalated into fights, resulting in fatalities,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of chiefs in controlling the youth and intervening in conflicts, whether they involve disputes between individuals or group altercations. Kon pointed out that these incidents reflect a growing mistrust among the youth, underscoring the need for government-led conferences to foster confidence-building measures.

Laat emphasized the importance of community unity and government intervention in addressing ongoing conflicts in Lakes State. “Just because there may be temporary calm in Lakes State doesn’t mean there is total peace. It’s crucial to bring the community and youth together to foster confidence and mutual respect. Additionally, the government must swiftly respond to reported cases of violence,” Laat stated.

He distinguished between early warning reports and early responses, highlighting that sometimes the government’s security response is delayed until conflicts escalate. Laat stressed the necessity for prompt government action upon receiving alarming reports, including apprehending individuals involved, facilitating dialogue if necessary, and ensuring law enforcement takes place.