Police in Western Equatoria State have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of football coach George Kobo, authorities said on Monday, after the killing prompted the suspension of football activities and sparked calls for justice in Yambio.
Yambio County Chief Inspector of Police Major General Osfaldo Kalchin Zuwe said the suspect surrendered to police on Sunday evening shortly after the incident.
“The suspect came to the police station and confessed that he had shot and killed someone,” Zuwe told reporters.
He said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested the suspect and launched an investigation, dispatching investigators to the scene.
According to preliminary police findings, Kobo was standing by the roadside buying roasted maize when an argument reportedly broke out. Police allege the suspect later returned home, retrieved a firearm and fatally shot him.
A woman who witnessed the incident has also been taken into custody to assist investigators.
“We have arrested the suspect and another person connected to the incident. Investigations are ongoing, and anyone found responsible will face the law,” Zuwe said.
The motive for the shooting has not been officially established.
The killing has drawn calls for accountability from local youth, who urged the Western Equatoria State government to ensure a transparent investigation.
A youth leader, who declined to be named for security reasons, described Kobo’s death as a major loss to the community.
“We demand justice for George Kobo and his family. This senseless act of violence has left the entire community in grief. The government must ensure those responsible are held accountable and take stronger measures to improve security,” the youth representative said.
The youth group also urged authorities to address broader drivers of violence, including poverty, unemployment and weak law enforcement, while increasing youth engagement in peace and security initiatives.
The shooting has also shaken the football community in Western Equatoria.
The Yambio Football Association (YFA) suspended all football activities and declared three days of mourning following Kobo’s death.
In a statement issued on Monday, YFA President Joseph Ndepi described Kobo as a dedicated coach whose death was a significant loss to football in the state.
Kobo was serving as head coach of Naduru Residential Area in the ongoing Yambio Inter-Area Tournament. He had previously played for Al Wehida Football Club, St. Mary Football Club and the Western Equatoria State team in national competitions, the association said.
“His passing is a heavy blow to the entire football family. We have lost a committed young coach whose passion and dedication inspired many,” the statement said.
Kobo was shot dead on Sunday, June 28.
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