Police authorities in Bor town of South Sudan’s Jonglei State said they are holding four suspects in connection with a fire that destroyed a section of Marol Market on Saturday.

A devastating fire swept through a section of Marol Market, resulting in the tragic loss of two Ethiopian nationals and the destruction of goods valued at millions of South Sudanese Pounds across seven shops.

Maj. Gen. Elia Costa Faustino, the State Police Commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj that the four suspects are being probed for potential negligence in the matter. He emphasized that those responsible for the fire would face legal consequences.

He stated, “These suspects are owners of the shop where the fire started. The fire ignited due to someone leaving beans boiling unattended in the shop. We are actively investigating to determine the actual culprits, and they will be charged accordingly and brought before the court.”

Bor Town Mayor John Achiek Matiop expressed their commitment to implementing measures aimed at preventing future fire incidents. He emphasized the need to discourage individuals from sleeping in their shops, highlighting the role of law enforcement in ensuring market safety.

He stated, “For traders to sleep in their shops is inappropriate. Market security is the responsibility of the police. Sleeping and cooking in shops at night pose security risks. As the municipal authorities, we will convene a meeting to address these issues, with the goal of preventing such tragic incidents from recurring.”

Majok Peter Bol, an official with the state’s Civil Defense, acknowledged their inability to respond to Saturday’s fire due to a lack of prior notification and insufficient firefighting equipment.

He advised members of the business community to remain vigilant and maintain fire extinguishers in their shops to enhance fire safety measures.