Authorities in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, have confirmed the killing of an unidentified man who was shot by unknown attackers on Thursday night in the Napere residential area.
The body, which had multiple gunshot wounds, was discovered by residents, fuelling fears over rising insecurity in the town in recent weeks.
Yambio Town Mayor John Singira told Radio Tamazuj that officials received a report at about 8pm that a man had been shot dead in Napere.
“The situation is now calm. The government has launched investigations to identify and arrest those responsible,” Singira said.
“As we approach the Christmas season, we urge people to avoid tribalism, hatred and criminal activities. Let us work for peace and avoid harming one another.”
A community leader, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said residents heard several gunshots before finding the body.
“We heard the gunfire, and when we went to the scene, we found a man shot several times. He had no shoes, and it appears he was dropped from a motorcycle,” he said.
Some residents suspect the man may have been involved in theft, though there has been no official confirmation. The victim has yet to be identified, and no family members have come forward.
Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Phillip Madut Tong told Radio Tamazuj that officers were awaiting a full report from investigators on the ground.
He said Thursday’s killing followed another incident on Wednesday night in which a man was shot and injured at a disco in Masia. Both cases are under investigation.
Police say efforts are under way to establish the victim’s identity, determine the motive for the attack and trace the perpetrators. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and report any information that could assist the inquiry.
The latest killing adds to a series of violent incidents in Yambio over the past week. Local officials say at least three people have been injured in separate attacks by criminals, one of whom was later killed by unknown individuals and another arrested.