Lakes State Governor says suspect was behind the Monday morning shooting that resulted in the death of a local woman in her village and a passenger traveling in a Tiger Division vehicle.

By Makur Adut

Authorities in Lakes State have arrested a suspect linked to the ambush of a Tiger Division vehicle that left a soldier and a woman dead in Pacong Payam, Rumbek East County.

The suspect, identified as Makim Maru Makur, was apprehended by security forces on Monday, according to state officials.

Lakes State Governor Gen. Madhang Majok Meen announced the arrest during the signing of stakeholders’ resolutions aimed at renewing commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state.

“I would like to announce that the suspect who killed a woman in Pacong Payam and a passenger in a Tiger Division vehicle has been captured by security forces,” he said.

“He will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Lakes State.”

Governor Madhang said the suspect was responsible for the Monday morning shooting that resulted in the death of a local woman in her village and a passenger traveling in a Tiger Division vehicle.

The attack also left four other people injured.

Confirming the arrest, the Acting Lakes State Minister of Information, William Koji Kirjok, told The City Review that the suspect had been positively identified and apprehended following cooperation between citizens and security personnel.

“We appreciate the people of Lakes State, especially those in Rumbek East County, for providing information that led to the arrest,” Kirjok said.

“This is the kind of cooperation we want between citizens and the security forces.”

Kirjok assured residents that law and order remain intact in the state and urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.

“The government is in place, and the law is in place. Anyone who tampers with the lives and property of citizens or travelers will be held accountable,” he said.

He further cautioned against exploiting recent leadership changes in the state to revive communal violence, emphasizing continuity in security policies under the new governor.

Meanwhile, a civil society activist and CEPO Lakes State Coordinator, Daniel Laat Kon, also welcomed the arrest, calling for full accountability through the judicial process.

“We are calling on the state government to ensure the suspect is taken to court and that the law takes its course,” he said.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider committing similar crimes.”

Daniel urged community members not to shield criminals, stressing that harboring suspects fuels continued violence.

“When perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, it builds trust between citizens and the government,” he added.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect acted alone or with accomplices.

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“We appreciate the people of Lakes State, especially those in Rumbek East County, for providing information that led to the arrest,” Acting Lakes State Minister of Information, William Koji Kirjok, said.