Over 500 people have been killed in Lakes State over the last three months, the National Legislative Assembly has reported.

A Member of Parliament representing Rumbek Centre Constituency, Zakaria Matur Makuer, reported today that the killings occurred in the four counties of Rumbek Centre, Rumbek East, Rumbek North and Cueibet.

Most of these killings are retaliatory and clan-based, according to authorities there.

The MPs blamed the rampant insecurity in Lakes State to what they call widespread presence of weapons in the hands of civilians.

An MP representing Mvolo County of Western Equatoria State, Honorable Majur Babur Ajang, says the weak justice system also contributes to the spread of guns amongst the civilians.

“The issue of security in Rumbek is a bit complicated. The issue is: we have enough laws; are they really implemented? Our justice system: is it so efficient to take care of all these issues? Asked Hon Babur.

“The courts and all these institutions, law enforcement agents are they effective and capable?”

He said civilians are acquiring heavy machine guns to be used in such clashes.

“Everybody now is taking guns. They are moving out from AK-47 to PKM; AK-47 is no longer needed in the market there. They are moving to PKM,” he added.

“We need to look into that very carefully, if we are to bring peace and security.”

Last month, a paramount chief, Aperer Chuot, the elder brother of the caretaker governor of Lakes State was also killed in Rumbek East County, sparking a serious of attacks.