Juba Crime Update: Killing in Gudele Suburb
Gunmen shot dead an African Inland Church (AIC) bishop on Wednesday evening during what church officials described as an armed robbery at his home in the Gudele residential area, a suburb of South Sudan’s capital, Juba.
The victim was identified as Bishop Christopher Maring. Church officials said the attack occurred at about 7:30 p.m. after armed men broke into his residence while his family was inside.
Armed Robbery Details: Family Held Hostage
Bishop Martin Moga, deputy presiding bishop of the AIC in South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that four armed men stormed the house, held the bishop’s wife and children hostage and demanded money (Radio Tamazuj).
“The attackers broke into the house and gathered the family. They demanded money and went straight to the bedroom where they believed money was kept,” Bishop Moga said (Radio Tamazuj).
According to Bishop Moga, the children handed over some money, but the assailants were not satisfied and continued searching the house for more (Radio Tamazuj).
Shooting Account: Attack at the Gate
At the time of the break-in, Bishop Maring was away, Bishop Moga said. On his return, he reportedly opened the gate, unaware that one attacker was hiding behind it (Radio Tamazuj).
“Immediately he opened the gate, the gunman attacked him without any question and shot him in the stomach,” Bishop Moga said (Radio Tamazuj).
Bishop Moga added that other attackers then rushed out and began shooting “randomly,” and that Bishop Maring was killed instantly (Radio Tamazuj).
Church Reaction: Condemnation and Call for Justice
The African Inland Church leadership condemned the killing, describing it as a deliberate and evil act that targeted a man of God, according to Bishop Moga (Radio Tamazuj).
“Under the leadership of our presiding bishop, James Lagos, the African Inland Church in South Sudan condemns this unfortunate and criminal act,” Bishop Moga said (Radio Tamazuj).
He called on the government of South Sudan to protect citizens and ensure accountability, adding: “No stone should be left unturned in investigating this murder” (Radio Tamazuj).
Legacy and Community Impact: Calls for Prayer
The church described Bishop Maring as a dedicated servant whose work focused on preaching, teaching and guiding the faithful, Bishop Moga said (Radio Tamazuj).
“He was a true martyr who gave his life in service to God and the people,” Bishop Moga said, adding that prayers were continuing for the bereaved family (Radio Tamazuj).
The church also urged security forces to identify and arrest the perpetrators, while warning against continued attacks on clergy and civilians in Juba (Radio Tamazuj).
Juba Security Concerns: Officials Sought for Comment
The killing has added to concerns over insecurity and armed criminality in parts of Juba, as referenced in the report.
Efforts to reach police for comment were unsuccessful, according to the same account.