By Hou Akot Hou
A police officer has shot a 34-year-old man in the thigh following a confrontation in Wanyjok Town, Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, police said.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday after the man allegedly attacked the officer with a stick, accusing him of failing to intervene in a fight involving several people at a crowded market.
Madut Ngong Aleu, the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State police spokesperson, identified the officer as Aken Geng Dut and the injured man as Dut Majok Garang.
According to Aleu, the confrontation began when Dut Majok allegedly blamed the officer for failing to separate people involved in the market fight. The disagreement reportedly escalated when the civilian attacked the officer.
“What happened on Tuesday is that the police officer called Aken Geng Dut was beaten up by a local young man called Dut Majok Garang,” Aleu said.
He explained that the injured man accused the officer of failing to intervene while he was being attacked by several people.
Aleu said the officer initially fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to stop the confrontation, but the man allegedly continued attacking him, prompting the officer to shoot him in the thigh.
The injured man was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment, while the officer was detained as investigations into the incident continued.
Aleu said the officer had been reprimanded in connection with the incident, although the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation.
The police spokesperson urged residents to follow legal procedures when seeking protection or reporting grievances against law enforcement officers, warning against resorting to violence.
He emphasised that civilians have the right to seek protection from security personnel but should avoid physically attacking officers performing their duties.
The incident highlights concerns over the handling of public disputes and the need for law enforcement officers to respond appropriately to confrontations while respecting civilians’ rights and following established procedures.
Authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances of the shooting as investigations continue.