A South Sudanese national security officer has been killed and a colleague injured in an apparent internal shooting in the town of Yambio, authorities have said.
The incident occurred in the Gracia Nursery area on Wednesday evening after a reported disagreement between the two men.
Local officials described the event as a “violent misunderstanding”.
An eyewitness, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity, said the officer who was injured was the same person who opened fire.
“The one who was shot in the leg is the same officer who shot and killed his colleague instantly,” the resident said.
Yambio County Commissioner Michael Ismail confirmed the incident and said he would “follow up to understand the main cause”.
Western Equatoria State’s police commissioner, Maj Gen Phillip Madut Tong, said preliminary information suggested the officers had been drinking.
“It was a misunderstanding among soldiers because they were drunk,” he said. “The situation is now peaceful. No civilians were harmed.”
He said authorities have launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances, including whether the shooting was deliberate.
The police official urged calm while the inquiry continues.
Some residents have voiced concern about security incidents in the area and called for stricter discipline within the security forces.