Police in Western Equatoria State said Sunday they have arrested five suspects in the killing of a senior education official who was shot dead at his home earlier this month.
Peter Michael Mbia, the director general in the state’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction, was gunned down Aug. 3 in the Napere residential area of Yambio.
State Police Commissioner Phillip Madut Tong told Radio Tamazuj that the suspects are in custody and under investigation.
“We have arrested some individuals concerning the killing of the director general. The case is ready, and we will transfer them to court. They are five in number,” Tong said.
He added that security in Yambio and surrounding areas has remained calm in recent days despite broader challenges, including looting and high living costs.
Mbia’s killing came days after the state’s education minister was removed by gubernatorial decree. The arrests made follow broader political changes in Western Equatoria, where President Salva Kiir recently appointed a new governor and deputy governor.
Civil society groups have called for stability in the state.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged the new leadership to prioritize peace and civilian protection.
“The leadership must take serious steps to prevent armed clashes and protect civilians,” Yakani said, warning that ongoing human rights violations could warrant International Criminal Court scrutiny.
Yakani said his group is willing to facilitate talks with the new governor to promote peaceful coexistence.