Police spokesperson, Col Kassara Koang Nhial. (-)

Police officials in Central and Eastern Equatoria states reported six deaths in isolated incidents including an inmate who died in prison, and over 40 traffic accidents between December 24 and 26, 2024.

According to Police Spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang, most of the victims were aged between 21 and 40.

“The general security situation in the 10 state and the three administrative area was calm accept some minor cases in Central and Eastern Equatoria states,” he said.

Col. Kassara mentioned the killing of a young man by “security personnel” allegedly chasing gang groups at Mauna in Juba on Thursday, leading to tension with local residents the following morning.

Others were the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old National Security Service officer at Referendum residential area in Juba on 24th December. The suspect was taken to custody and investigations were ongoing.

The police spokesperson also reported that an 18-year-old man succumbed to knife wounds in Nyakuron residential area. The accused has been arrested on December 25 at 4:00 pm.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old Ugandan national was found dead at his workplace in Nyakuron on December 24. Investigations into the cause of death are reportedly ongoing.

In Eastern Equatoria, Col. Kassara said local police report indicate the killing of a 27-year-old man by unknown gunmen in Imehejek, on December 25.

The other registered cases including a private from SSPDF Division 7 who took his life on December 25 by hanging himself in the Gumbo Shirkat and an inmate found dead in prison on the same day under unclear circumstances.

Further, he revealed a misunderstanding on December 24 in Mangateen residential area led to injuries to a 15-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man. Police have arrested a suspect.

He encouraged the public to maintain calm and report suspicious activities, ensuring a peaceful transition into the New Year.

Meanwhile, Kassara said the traffic police registered 47 minor accidents, with no fatalities reported during the Christmas celebrations.

This is less than the 77 road traffic accidents recorded by the traffic police in Central Equatoria State in Juba during the 2023 Christmas and New Year period.

“On traffic intervention the traffic police registered 47 minor cases no death registered during the last 48 hours of Christmas celebration.”

On behalf of the national police service, Col. Kassara said he conveyed his condolence to the families who lost their beloved ones during in the last two days.