A Chinese national and an officer attached to South Sudan Defence Force (SSPDF) were shot dead by unknown gunmen along Juba-Rumbek road, in the outskirts of the capital.

Commenting on the Wednesday morning incident, the Central Equatoria State minister of information, Wayi Godwill, revealed the duo died instantly after being shot by the assailants.

A Chinese firm known as Shandong Hi-Speed Group Company is currently constructing a 400- kilometre road at a cost of some US$700 million. The killers are yet to be identified.

Highway attacks have been on the rise with recent attacks being conducted along Juba-Nimule and Juba- Yei roads.

In addition, a group of criminals recently abducted nine people along Juba- Terekeka road after which the abductors demanded expensive ransom for their release.

Last week the National Security Services (NSS) arrested 12 suspects accused of abductions, highway ambush and robbery.