The police have arrested a man who accidentally shot and killed his brother in Imurok Payam of Torit County in Eastern Equatoria state on Wednesday morning.
28-year-old John Lokulang was said to be cleaning his gun when it went off accidentally killing his brother James Lokwang, 27.
The newly-appointed Eastern Equatoria state police spokesperson, Colonel Mathew Ochan Jacob, confirmed the incident and said the suspect, Lokulang, is currently being held at the Torit central police station for further investigation.
“We received the information that the incident took place in Imurok around 7 am that one person by name of John Lokulang was cleaning his gun and accidentally fired it killing one of his brothers by name James Lokwang,” Col. Ochan said. “The police went to the crime scene and the suspect was brought for further investigations.”
He added: “Until now, he cannot talk. It has come to him as a shock, maybe we can get information from him when he relaxes. He is in our custody for protection and we will find out the details from him.”
The police spokesperson described the incident as unfortunate and said civilians are holding and misusing illegal weapons which the government must remove.
The Imurok Payam chief, Anthony Oriaja, confirmed the incident and believes it was an accident because the deceased and the suspect had been together at a birthday party the night before. He cautioned the youth against misusing guns.
“It’s true he did not intend it. They were together dancing at a birthday party and did not have any quarrel or fight. They are staying together, even sleeping in one room,” Chief Oriaja explained. “I told the Monyiemji to stop playing with guns.”
The Torit County commissioner, Jacob Attari Albano, said the suspect and the murder weapon were brought to police.