Authorities in Tambura County of Western Equatoria State said an SSPDF soldier shot and injured his colleague over an alleged affair with his wife.
The incident, which took place at an army barracks on Monday, has raised concerns about personal disputes escalating into violence within the armed forces.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge said: “Yesterday, an SSPDF soldier at the army barracks shot his colleague after accusing him of having an affair with his wife. The suspect fled the scene via Source Yubu Road. The injured soldier was transported to Juba for medical treatment.”
The commissioner also revealed that neither the shooter nor the injured soldier had formal military training. “The individual who carried out the shooting is not a trained soldier, and even the victim lacks formal training. This underscores the urgent need for improved screening and training within our forces,” Mabenge noted.
He urged soldiers to refrain from taking matters into their own hands. “If someone commits adultery with your wife, report the incident to the authorities rather than resorting to violence,” he advised.
Commissioner Mabenge announced plans to screen all soldiers in Tambura County to ensure that only properly trained personnel are serving. “We will conduct thorough screenings and provide appropriate training for any untrained soldiers to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stated.
Mabenge also acknowledged recent violent incidents in the county, including disputes over social gatherings, cattle, and women, noting that these were isolated cases. “As the government, we will investigate the root causes of these issues and work towards a lasting solution,” he concluded.