Two suspects arrested over fatal shooting of student in Yei

Police in Yei River County have arrested two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old student who was allegedly robbed of his phone and money.

Yei River County Police Chief Yoasa Lujang says the suspects are being investigated following the death of Martin Wani, a Senior Three student at Excell International School.

According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. as Wani was reportedly returning home after closing his phone-charging business.

Police say an armed man allegedly robbed the student of his phone and money before shooting him from behind as he walked away.

Wani was rushed to Yei Civil Hospital but died the following morning from severe blood loss.

“We have two suspects now under investigation,” Lujang said. “We are going to investigate them so that they can tell us exactly which group they belong to.”

He said police were pursuing other individuals who may have been involved in the incident, adding that investigations would help authorities identify and apprehend those responsible.

The police chief also raised concerns about other incidents of violence in the county, including a separate knife attack involving two young men during an overnight vigil for the late John Hakim Omoyo.

Lujang said the two men were taken to hospital and would be questioned as part of the ongoing investigations.

He warned suspected criminal gangs against engaging in violent activities, saying police were preparing to take legal action against individuals involved in criminal offences.

The police chief also appealed to church leaders, parents and community members to help discourage young people from engaging in crime.

He warned that police operations could be launched if violent activities continued in the county.

Meanwhile, Lujang said a group of police officers was attending a six-day community policing workshop aimed at strengthening cooperation between law enforcement officers and the public.

Despite the reported incidents, he described the overall security situation in Yei River County as relatively calm.