A South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) tank driver was arrested Monday after a collision killed a student and injured two others in Rumbek, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Maktap Martin Mulla, was on his way to Mozzalari Secondary School when the military tank struck the motorbike carrying him and two others in the Malual-akan residential area, police said.
Rumbek traffic police reported that the tank, from the Rock City military base, hit the motorbike as the students were heading toward the market. Mulla died at the scene, while the two others were hospitalized.
The driver was detained at the Rumbek police station pending investigation, officials said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Acting Information and Communication Minister William Koji Kerjok confirmed the crash and said authorities were investigating.
“Such an incident has to be examined by traffic police, and inquiries are ongoing,” Kerjok said. He urged the victim’s family to remain calm as the case proceeds.
Dr. Terran Madit Terran, medical director at Rumbek State Hospital, said the facility received the casualties.
Joseph Manyiel Muorngany, a relative of the deceased, identified Mulla as a student from Wulu County.
“There were three students on the motorbike—one died, and the other two were injured,” Muorngany said.
Local civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon said the incident highlights ongoing concerns about military vehicles speeding in the area.
“Even the army must drive responsibly, and other road users should also be cautious,” Kon said.