A public prosecutor was killed in the town of Malakal in an attack by unidentified gunmen, his family said.

Martin John Akol, a family member, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday Thomas Aban Akol Ajawin, 54, was shot dead on Monday evening while having dinner at a restaurant within Malakal town of Upper Nile state.

“According to the report we have received, someone called him by name and then opened fire on him. The assailants shot him twice and fled the scene,” said Martin.

The family member said the late Thomas Aban, a brother of the prominent politician Dr. Lam Akol, was working as a public prosecutor in Upper Nile.

According to Martin, the motives for the killing remains unclear.

The family is calling for justice after the shocking murder of their son.

 “As the family, we call upon the government to thoroughly investigate the incident so that the culprits are arrested to face justice,” said Martin.

Police authorities in Malakal town have yet to comment on the incident.