Lakes state: 6 killed in clashes between security forces and suspected criminals

At least six people were killed and four others injured when security forces clashed with suspected criminals in Cueibet County of South Sudan's Lakes State on Wednesday. 

The executive Director in Cueibet County Madit Malual Ater told Radio Tamazuj that the clashes happened between Agangrial and Ngap Payam of Cueibet County at midday. 

He said one of the most wanted criminals and four soldiers were killed, four soldiers sustained injuries, and three suspected criminals were arrested during the incident. 

"On 7th of February, an armed criminal killed one of the police officers and on the 9th of February that was Wednesday while being followed, the criminals clashed with the security forces killing four soldiers on spot in clashes and wounded four others. So, the totals of soldiers killed are five plus one of the most wanted armed civilian six," Malual explained. 

A civil society activist in Cueibet County, Andrea Sebit, confirmed the incident and said two of the suspects in custody were accused of murder; one for allegedly killing the husband of a woman he was having an affair with and the other one for killing a trader.

Sebit claims the government killed two of the suspects by firing squad. 

“The state government just wants to deny the fact because of human rights but these people I am sure they were killed by firing squad by government security forces in Abieicok," he alleged. 

Activist Sebit also claimed that the total number of people killed in the clashes is eight and not six as reported by the executive director.