Area Police Inspector says the police were acting on a legal warrant when the incident happened.

By Aguok  Chok

A young man in Kuac South Payam of Warrap State was shot dead on Tuesday by a police officer.

Kuac Akol, popularly known as Kuac Maniin, was shot at Yiithliet Market.

The fatal shooting has sparked shock and concerns among residents of the area. According to the Police Inspector of Kuac South, Major Deng Anguei, the police were acting on a legal warrant when the incident happened.

“The late Kuac Akol had a warrant of arrest issued after a case was opened against him by the individual he fought with yesterday. We sent our officers to bring him in for questioning,” Maj. Deng Anguei told reporters.

He explained that upon arriving at the market to execute the warrant, the officers attempted to approach Kuac Akol peacefully.

However, things quickly escalated when the suspect reportedly ran toward a nearby forest, avoiding arrest.

“When the officers approached the suspect and presented the arrest warrant, he attempted to flee into the nearby forest. Officers pursued him, and one officer managed to intercept him,” the police inspector recounted.

It was during this confrontation that the situation turned deadly.

According to the police, the young man’s behavior was perceived as a threat by the pursuing officer.

“After stopping him, he suddenly bent down to collect a piece of wood, appearing to prepare to attack the officer. In that moment, the policeman fired and shot him dead on the spot,” Maj. Deng added.

Following the shooting, the body of Kuac Akol was initially taken to the Yiithliet Police Station. Later the body was transported to the State Police Headquarters in Kuajok for further handling and a post-mortem examination.

Police authorities have launched a formal investigation to examine whether the officer followed proper procedures during the arrest attempt.

“We are now investigating the matter thoroughly. The body was transferred to Kuajok for further procedures and justice will follow if any wrongdoing is found,” said Maj. Deng.

The identity of the officer who fired the fatal shot has not been released to the public.

Meanwhile, residents have expressed grief and anger, calling for transparency and accountability in how the case is handled.

Kuac Akol’s death has raised concerns about the use of force during police operations, particularly when suspects are being arrested for non-violent offenses.

As the investigation continues, the community remains tense, awaiting answers and hoping for justice for the deceased and his family.

The authorities have urged the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, promising updates as the investigation progresses.