5 policemen arrested for instigating clashes in Tonj East

At least five policemen accused of inciting inter-communal fighting between Thiik, Akok and Luacjang community last week have been arrested.

Renewed violence between Luacjang youth and Akok and Thiik youth in greater Tonj East left fifteen people wounded over the weekend. No death was reported according to the local authorities from both sides.

A policeman from Romic allegedly sold his PKM machine gun to civilians in the Thiik community and later reported that the gun had been stolen, triggering the clashes.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the deputy head of the security committee in Tonj East Thokriel Chileu, said the main suspect is still at large but his accomplices are in police custody.

"The policeman called Yol who caused the problem at Lol Liith is still at large, we have not arrested him. We have only arrested five of his accomplices. Those five policemen are now in prison," he said.

The Executive Director of Romic, Makuei Mabior, confirmed the arrest of the five policemen and said a manhunt for the main suspect is ongoing.

However, the secretary-general of the defunct Tonj state, Gabriel Awan, said tensions had been building between the two communities following last months fighting.

He said investigations into the matter are still ongoing and the truth will eventually come out.

Last month, 10 people were killed and over 30 wounded in clashes between the Luacjang and Akok and Thiik communities.