A police officer and an SPLA soldier have shot each other dead at Wanyjok in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal state.

The incident took place on Saturday after an SPLA soldier divorced by his wife made threats.

“This man came and threatened the police. The police tried to confiscate his gun but he refused to put it down,” Garang Kuach Mayom, County police director, described the incident.

It’s not clear why the soldier threatened the policeman.

“He shot at the police and the police also shot him dead,” Mr Mayom continued.

The County commissioner, Hon Awet Kiir Awet, warned the two families to keep calm.

“I want to tell you that as the people of Abiem I would like you to be patient and this issue will be the government’s responsibility,” he appealed to the relatives.

“I don’t want you to get involved in the investigation into what happened. Only the government will. And if any person comes across to attack, that person will be accountable.”

He assured the community that the security situation in the county is normal and asked people from the highland to continue with their farming activities without fear of insecurity.