Community members in the Kasiko area of Mundri East County in Western Equatoria State have accused South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers of killing four boys and detaining two others last week.
Residents say the boys, all students, were shot dead on Thursday near Kasiko, close to Lakamadi, and families have been unable to access the bodies due to restrictions reportedly imposed by soldiers.
A relative of one of the victims, Nyarango Gune, told Radio Tamazuj that community members have been searching for days and pleading for access to retrieve the bodies for burial.
“Four boys were killed, and up to now, we cannot access their bodies. Two others [boys] were taken to an unknown location,” she said. “People are hiding in the bush, and houses were burned. Families are suffering without food or medical support.”
Local sources identified three of the victims as Luka Depete, Michael Masanga, and Bashir, while the identity of the fourth boy remains unconfirmed. Residents also reported looting of property and livestock, forcing civilians to flee to the bush.
However, Mundri East County Commissioner John Henry Ngalamu denied the allegations.
“The situation is calm, and people are in their homes. These reports are not true,” he told this publication, adding that the only recent security incident reported to his office was the destruction of a bridge in Darmula by armed groups.
Efforts to reach SSPDF Spokesperson Gen. Lul Ruai for comment were unsuccessful. State authorities in Yambio have not yet issued an official statement.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, condemned the alleged incident and called for accountability.
“If confirmed, the killing of four boys and the disappearance of two others in Mundri East is unacceptable,” he stated. “The behaviour of soldiers from both national forces and armed opposition continues to put civilians’ lives and properties at risk.”
Yakani urged authorities to investigate the matter and protect civilians.
Residents say many families have been displaced and are sheltering in the bush without food, shelter, or medical support. They are appealing for urgent humanitarian assistance and protection.