At least two travelers were killed and four others injured after armed bandits ambushed a vehicle travelling along the Juba-Mundri Highway in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State, on Monday morning.
The attack happened between Doroh and Buägyi areas, according to local authorities and community members. The vehicle was reportedly returning to Juba after delivering the body of a deceased person to Wiroh in Mundri East County for burial.
Mundri East County Commissioner Daite Mathew confirmed to this publication that two people were killed and four others injured in the attack.
“A vehicle travelling from Wiro Boma to Juba was ambushed by unknown gunmen on Monday, and two people were killed and four others were injured,” he said. “We are not certain who carried out the attack. We expect to receive more information from the organized forces.”
The commissioner described the incident as unfortunate, saying it happened at a time when the county leadership is working to promote peace, unity, and development. He assured residents that security forces were immediately deployed to the area and are pursuing those responsible.
In a press statement, Commissioner Mathew identified the deceased as Saliwa Abau Emmanuel and Medina Stephen Khamis. The injured were identified as Yakoub Salibuno Manase, Susan Arito Edward, Margret Khamis Olivia, and Cecilia Jackson Bullen.
The Mundri East County authorities condemned the attack, describing it as a barbaric act targeting innocent civilians along the highway.
A community member who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity due to fear of possible reprisals said the vehicle was carrying mourners when it was attacked. The source said armed men opened fire on the vehicle, killing two people and injuring four others.
“There were many people in the vehicle, but we do not know the exact number,” the source said. “They were returning to Juba after the burial.”
Meanwhile, civil society activists in Western Equatoria State have condemned the continued insecurity in Mundri East County. Wanga Emmanuel, Chairperson of Civil Society Activists in Western Equatoria State, said insecurity in Mundri East has become a serious concern, with repeated attacks affecting civilians and humanitarian activities.
“If the perpetrators are found to be linked to organized forces, they should be arrested, transferred, and brought before the court,” he stated. “Justice must be served.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the ambush.
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