A police sergeant in Malek Payam of Rumbek Central County was killed during an attempted cattle raid by armed raiders believed to have come from Cueibet County in Lakes State. The incident unfolded in Apet villages on Thursday.
According to Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the police spokesperson in Lakes State, the victim, identified as Santino Meen Manyuat, attempted to intercept the armed men from Cueibet County, who were allegedly raiding goats in the area.
Maj. Makuac stated, “Our security situation has been normal and calm, except for one incident at Apet Police Post on Thursday.” He reported that the incident occurred around 1:00 pm.
“Armed criminals, believed to be from Cueibet County, approached the police post and left behind some goats. When Sergeant Santino Meen Manyuat questioned them about the goats’ destination, the criminals shot him dead. After killing the police sergeant, they fled the scene, leaving the goats behind,” explained Maj. Makuac.
The police are currently investigating the crime, working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the fatal shooting.
“This was the sole incident recorded yesterday, and the police are actively pursuing the identification of the culprits. When traveling from Rumbek towards Rumbek North County, you first encounter the area known as Apet, then proceed to Malek Payam, and from there, you can reach Maper,” he detailed the incident.
“Subsequently, as forces assembled at Malek Payam, it was deemed necessary to allocate a force to Apet village. Consequently, a limited number of police personnel, along with soldiers from other organized forces such as wildlife, were collectively deployed in Apet village to enhance security along the road due to the presence of intruders. These criminals have been known to traverse the area, committing theft, and engaging in violence, with the majority of accusations pointing towards individuals from Cueibet County,” explained Maj. Elijah.
He added, “Hence, under the command of a 2nd lieutenant, forces were assigned to the area. Simultaneously, additional forces within Malek Payam were mobilized amid the crisis in Rumbek North County involving conflicts between cattle keepers from Rumbek North and Luanyjang cattle keepers from Tonj East County.”
He mentioned that a substantial portion of the forces stationed in Malek Payam was relocated to Maper, with only a few personnel remaining in Malek Payam.
“If you observe and compare the distance from Rumbek Central County to Apet in Malek, you’ll notice that Malek is in close proximity to Apet village. However, the significant challenge lies in communication. There is a lack of network coverage in that area. In some cases, individuals have to climb up a tree to establish a connection that enables them to communicate any information. This is the current situation,” he explained.