A police officer was shot dead on Tuesday night in Juba while riding a motorcycle to work, according to the spokesman of the national police service.

Police Colonel James Monday Enoka said the police have arrested one suspect in connection with the murder while other suspects are being tracked. He said the suspect is believed to be part of a gang who shot dead the officer in the Munuki residential area before stealing his motorcycle.

“Lance corporal John Waja who works at Munuki police was killed at Munuki residential area in Juba while riding motorcycle from his house to the place of work he was shot and killed by unknown gunmen and his motorcycle taken by the criminals,” he told the UN radio service in Juba.

“The 777 [police responders] and the CID [Criminal Investigation Department] were informed and rushed to the scene of the crime. One suspect has been arrested and the search for other suspects continue. A murder case has been opened at Munuki police station where investigation is taking place.”

“South Sudan national police service condemns this criminals act in the strongest term possible and presents its sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late.”