A 48-year-old lance corporal with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) is in police custody following a hand grenade explosion that injured an 11-year-old boy in Mabor-Koot village, Gogrial West County.
The explosion, which occurred at around 3:30pm on Sunday, is under investigation.
National Police Service Spokesperson Col John Kassara Koang Nhial said the grenade belonged to the suspect. He confirmed that the boy, whose name has not been disclosed, was injured in the blast.
“The explosion resulted in the injury of an 11-year-old boy,” Nhial stated.
“He was immediately referred to the Turalei Hospital for medical treatment. The severity of his injuries are not yet confirmed, but he is currently under care.”
The incident has raised alarm among local residents about the presence of unexploded ordnance in the area.
Local officials have urged the community to be vigilant, as unexploded ordnance remain a risk in some regions.