The authorities in Central Equatoria State’s Yei River County have condemned the killing of three civilians in the Kirikwa area, 16 miles along the Yei–Maridi Road, on Independence Day, 9 July.
Addressing the press on Saturday, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo, accompanied by members of the security team, confirmed the killings, describing them as unfortunate and deeply concerning for the county.
According to the commissioner, the first incident occurred on Independence Day when a civilian travelling to buy cattle was shot dead in an ambush allegedly carried out by unknown bandits along the Yei–Maridi Road. Later the same day, individuals believed to be friends or relatives of the deceased went to the scene, but on their way back to Yei, they were also ambushed, and two more people were killed.
“We had a meeting with the security team regarding what happened 16 miles on the Yei-Maridi Road on 9 July at around 11:30 a.m., where a civilian who went to buy cattle was ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen,” he explained. “On the same day, friends and relatives of the deceased went up to the Kirikwa barracks to find out details, but while returning to Yei Town, they were ambushed, and two more civilians were killed, bringing the total to three dead.”
Commissioner Malimbo condemned the killings, describing them as tragic and unfortunate. He said a joint team has been formed and is already conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
“This news is a shock to the people of Yei, and we condemn the incident in the strongest terms,” he stated. “We have formed an investigation committee and the public shall be notified about its findings.”
and then