A 26-year-old goat trader identified only as Ramsey was killed and a Darfuri driver sustained gunshot wounds during an ambush at Khor Galerio the Camp 15- Kapoeta road in Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday.

The ambush was carried out by unknown criminals who opened fire on a business lorry carrying goats for sale. Surprisingly, the criminals did not steal the goats. Additional ambushes took place at the same location, targeting two other vehicles, but fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Arkangelo Lokolimoi, the Kimotong Payam Administrator, told Radio Tamazuj that the incident occurred around 5:30 pm. He confirmed that the injured Sudanese driver was transported to Camp 15 health facility for medical treatment, and local youth are actively pursuing the assailants.

“We need organized forces that can be deployed to the hotspot area to protect traders because these traders are the ones bringing cattle and goats for sale. These are the resources of South Sudan, and it’s the government’s responsibility to address this issue. Civilians and even county authorities cannot apprehend these criminals. Only the state and national governments can handle the issue of arresting criminals, and this type of criminal activity should not continue. What these people are doing is wrong,” said Arkangelo.

Maj. Gen. John Luny, Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Commissioner for Police, confirmed the incident, stating that police forces in the area were dispatched to investigate the matter. He revealed government plans to augment and deploy additional police forces along the Torit—Kapoeta road to safeguard traders and facilitate the free movement of civilians.

“We are aware of the incident. It occurred around 5:30 in the evening. A large vehicle carrying goats was ambushed by criminals along the road, resulting in one fatality and the driver sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg,” he said.

“Shortly after the initial ambush, two pro-box passenger vehicles also fell into an ambush. Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured in the second ambush. The body of the deceased has been taken back to Kapoeta. Our forces stationed in Camp-15 are actively conducting regular patrols to ensure the safe movement of vehicles along this road. Additionally, the state government is actively working to deploy more forces along this route,” he explained.

Luny urged citizens to cooperate and report criminals to the relevant authorities for timely intervention. He emphasized that most criminals responsible for such incidents reside within communities but remain unidentified.

Hidita Lilly Nartisio, Chairperson for Eastern Equatoria State Chamber of Commerce, strongly condemned the acts of these criminals, as they hinder service delivery to the local population.

“This is indeed distressing news. Those who provide essential services to the public should not be subjected to attacks and ambushes along the roads. Roads are a public good and must benefit all citizens. Without traders, how can citizens access goods and essential services?” he asked.

“I appeal to all the criminals who have been ambushing citizens and traders to cease their actions. The government must track down these criminals and hold them accountable. It is the government’s responsibility to deploy security forces to protect traders. If decisive action is not taken to address the issue of criminal ambushes, many more traders may lose their lives,” Hidita warned.