Barricade tape for crime scene (Courtesy)

A police officer accused of shooting and killing a 12-year-old girl in Rumbek Central County of Lakes State on the night of 29th February, has surrendered to the police, according to the state authorities.

Sergeant Matur Majook Makuer shot two teenagers at a cattle camp in Lakes State’s Rumbek Central County, the state police spokesperson said.

Major Elijah Mabor Makuac reported that while the motive remains unclear, the officer is believed to have committed the offence on the ground of mistaken identity.

The off-duty policeman, who was in a visit to the cattle camp, reportedly heard approaching noise at night and opened fire thinking there were criminals.

The security official said an investigation indicates that the suspect must have perceived that the young girls who had noisily headed to the camp in the dark, were cattle raiders staging an attack.

He says the suspect immediately fled after realizing he had shot at innocent girls, before handing himself over on Friday.

“He surrendered himself two days ago and now he is under arrest. He is in Rumbek Central County, and we are investigating him to know the motive behind the crime,” Makuach told Eye Radio.

One of the girls succumbed to bullet wounds and the other is reportedly in critical condition at the Rumbek State Hospital, according to the official.

Major Makuach said the deceased girl is aged around 12 years.