Three people including a 9-year-old boy were shot dead on separate occasions between Monday and Wednesday in Tonj South County.

Manyiel Ngoth who heads the security committee for Tonj South County told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that a prison officer identified as James Marial Aliap was killed by unknown gunmen on Wednesday.

"A soldier from prison service 1st lt James Marial Aliap was on the way going to his house, unfortunately, he found criminals on the way and he was shot dead by unknown gunmen. A day ago, it was an accident where a young boy of age 8 to 9 years old boy was shot," Manyiel said.

He added, "On Wednesday around 3 PM a man went to check his cows on the other side of Akuchieng but he got lost and some people heard the sound of the gun. When people went they did not find him. But this morning (Thursday) the cattle camp youth found the man dead by killed by an unknown gunman." 

The county official says they have deployed security personnel in strategic places in the town to beef up security for residents.

A state lawmaker from Tonj South, Toby Mawien Yuot, condemned the killings and called on the victims' relatives to let the government handle the cases. 

Mawien says they are doing what it takes to prevent the escalation of clashes, especially in the town.

"We went and talked to the relatives. This is the responsibility of the government to look for these criminals who killed Marial Aliap," he said.

Mawien added that they have been touring parts of the state encouraging locals to embrace peace as they await the formation of a special court in the region.

Tonj town has been witnessing killing linked to revenge throughout this year. Some murders are carried out in daylight by perpetrators.