Malakal police on Tuesday arrested five people suspected of links to Monday’s murder of a public prosecutor.

 Thomas Aban Akol Ajawin, 54, was shot dead on Monday evening while having dinner at a restaurant in the town of Malakal, and his family called for justice.

“We have arrested five men. The suspects are at our custody and investigations are ongoing,” Upper Nile police commissioner Chol Atem told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday.

Atem says police believe Thomas Aban was killed because of his public role as a senior prosecutor in Upper Nile state.

 “Previously, Aban received death threats from a group which accused him of freeing an arrested restaurant owner called Hussein. The restaurant owner was having differences with the group over a goat,” said Chol Atem. “The murder of the public prosecutor is work-related, it is not political. So I urge all South Sudanese to remain calm.”

The police commissioner said the suspects will be arraigned in court when the investigation is concluded.

For his part, the family of the late Thomas has welcomed the arrests of five people in connection with the murder.

Martin John Akol, a family member, said the family is happy with the speedy arrests of the suspects.

“The minister of justice came and informed us about what happened. As the family, we welcome the effort exerted and we hope that the law will take its course,” he added.