At least five people were killed in Juba when a gunman identified as a distance relative of President Salva Kiir opened fire on civilians.

The suspect, Lual Akook Wol Kiir shot at civilians on Wednesday morning in the Sherikat neighbourhood.

The presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said in a statement four men and one woman died in the shooting incident, which occurred in the Sherikat neighborhood.

"The killing of five people is a very serious criminal act and the perpetrators must be punished. Our sympathy to the families of the victims," Ateny said.

Ateny further said President Kiir was saddened by the incident, adding that the perpetrator would be punished. "The president condemns this in the strongest terms possible and has directed authorities to investigate the incident and press charges against the perpetrators," Ateny said.

He added, “The perpetrator has been arrested by authorities and is under close monitoring in hospital, in a critical condition.”

Hundreds of residents in Sherikat on Wednesday blocked roads with barricades and burning tires in protest against the loss of lives.  Relative calm has since returned to the area after authorities intervened.

Police spokesman Daniel Justin told Radio Tamazuj that the shooting was triggered by wrangles over a disputed piece of land, saying police authorities are still investigating the incident.