Rev. Christopher Maring was fatally shot Wednesday evening near his residence in Gudele. - Photo Courtesy

 One of the armed assailants involved in the killing of Reverend Christopher Maring was shot during the attack and later apprehended, as religious leaders called on the government to conduct a swift and credible investigation into the incident.

The South Sudan Religious Leaders Forum (SSRLF) confirmed on Thursday that Reverend Maring, a senior cleric of the African Inland Church (AIC), was killed at his residence in Gudele, Juba, after armed men forcibly entered his home and confronted his family.

According to the Forum, when Reverend Maring responded to the disturbance inside the house, he was beaten and shot multiple times. During the attack, one of the bullets struck one of the assailants, who was unable to flee and was later arrested and taken to hospital for treatment, while five others escaped.

An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.

In a strongly worded statement, the South Sudan Religious Leaders Forum condemned the killing as “heinous and cowardly” and described it as an attack on the Church and the sanctity of human life.

“This evil and senseless act is a grave sin against God and a direct assault on the sanctity of human life,” the statement read. “The shedding of innocent blood has no justification, neither moral, cultural, nor political.”

The Forum urged the Government of South Sudan and security organs to act swiftly to ensure accountability.

“We urgently call upon the government to conduct a swift, transparent, and credible investigation and ensure that all perpetrators are identified and brought to justice without delay,” the Forum said, warning that failure to act would fuel fear and impunity.

Reverend Maring was described as a devoted shepherd, humble servant, and a voice for peace whose death has left a deep void within the church and the nation.

The Religious Leaders Forum extended condolences to the bereaved family, the leadership of the African Inland Church, and congregants across the country, calling on citizens to reject violence and uphold respect for life.

“Violence must not become normal, and the lives of God’s servants and innocent citizens must be protected,” the statement said.

The statement was signed by Archbishop Dr. Paul Benjamin Yugusuk, Chairperson of the South Sudan Religious Leaders Forum.