Image: M9 9 mm Beretta Pistol

Police in Rumbek are still investigating circumstances surrounding the death of the former governor of the defunct Western Lakes state.

Deng Mamer Yuol’s wife is said to have died from a gunshot “suicide.”

Anhom Mayom Mabor allegedly shot herself in the head using her husband’s pistol on Wednesday morning.

Police say the incident happened at her residence in Deng-nhial area of Rumbek town.

“It was a very tragic incident that occurred at around 8:15 am,” Major Elijah Mabor the state police spokesperson confirmed.

The deceased reportedly locked herself in a room before taking her life.

“The police intervened and evacuated the body to the police and hospital,” Mabor said.

The reasons behind the “unfortunate” incident are not known.

Police have questioned the former governor Mamer over the circumstance.

 “The former governor is in the police custody undergoing police investigation,” an official confirmed.

 Other family members have also been questioned by the police.

The late Anhom Mamer is said to be the second wife of governor Mamer.

A World Health Organization report in 2014 indicated that South Sudan had one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

The country is ranked at position 13 out of 172 countries surveyed.

Although the reasons for people to take their own life are complex, the report listed a number of risk factors, most of which apply to South Sudan.

“There is no single explanation of why people die by suicide,” the report said. “However, many suicides happen impulsively and, in such circumstances, easy access to a means of suicide can make a difference as to whether a person lives or dies.”