A police officer shot and killed a man on Tuesday as he attempted to flee in the Yithliet area of Kuac South Payam, Gogrial West County, Warrap State, local officials said.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. local time, according to Goli Adim, the paramount chief of Kuac South Payam. The deceased was identified as Kuac Akol.
Paramount Chief Adim told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the officer in charge, another policeman involved in the shooting, and a civilian were arrested and are being held in Kuajok police custody.
Adim said the confrontation stemmed from a prior dispute between Akol and another man, who had filed a police complaint alleging that Akol broke his ribs. The officer in charge reportedly ordered three policemen to confiscate a goat from Akol as compensation for the plaintiff.
“When police arrived with the plaintiff at Akol’s home, Akol tried to flee, and the plaintiff chased him with a spear,” Adim said. “After Akol was blocked by a farm fence, he surrendered. But the plaintiff urged an armed officer to shoot him, claiming he was trying to escape. The officer, allegedly drunk, then cocked his gun and shot Akol dead.”
Adim said he helped de-escalate tensions as the two officers and the civilian were taken to Kuajok for investigation.
Meanwhile, Kuajok Town Mayor Peter Madhel said the law would take its course, criticizing the officers for disregarding procedure. He urged the victim’s family to remain calm while authorities handle the case.
“Our traditions require disputes to be resolved legally,” Madhel said. “But Officer Nyok, who shot Akol, took more than one goat against orders and failed to report it. When Akol objected, Nyok killed him.”
Madhel added that Nyok had been deployed for a mission in Abyei but left his post and joined the local police without authorization. He assured Akol’s family that the law mandates execution for murder.
Warrap State has witnessed multiple executions in the past, including under the administrations of former governors Gen. Aleu Ayieny, Brig. Gen. Manhiem Bol Malek, and Col. Kuol Muor Muor.
However, newly appointed State Governor Ambassador Bol Wek struck a different tone last month, declaring during a consultative meeting in Juba that the state would no longer authorize firing squads as a means of crime control. Instead, he emphasized respect for human rights in law enforcement.