Wildlife officers kill businessman in Bor, youth demand justice

BOR – A local businessman was allegedly shot dead by wildlife officers in Bor County of South Sudan’s Jonglei State in an incident that has triggered outrage and strong condemnation from the Bor Community Youth Association (BCYA).

The deceased, identified as Mr Malith Agau Anyieth, was reportedly killed on February 26 while riding his motorcycle along the road from Baidit Payam, between Ngatinga and Chaar-Akau areas.

According to a press statement issued Friday by BCYA Secretary General Ayuen Garang Kur, wildlife officers intercepted Mr Malith on allegations that he was transporting dead animals.

The association claims that when the businessman attempted to flee into nearby bushes, officers opened fire, shooting him multiple times and killing him on the spot.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the Bor community, where Mr Malith was widely known and respected. He was described not only as a businessman but also as a traditional wrestler and a defender of community land.

In its statement, the BCYA strongly condemned the shooting, describing it as inhumane and a grave violation of professional law enforcement standards.

“Law enforcement agencies are mandated to enforce the law professionally and humanely,” Garang said. “The use of excessive and lethal force against a civilian under such circumstances raises serious concerns about professionalism, accountability, and respect for human life.”

The youth association laid out four key demands to both the state and national governments. It called for the immediate identification and arrest of the officers involved, their suspension and prosecution if found guilty, a comprehensive review of wildlife operations in Jonglei State, and the relocation of wildlife forces from civilian residential areas to designated conservation zones.

“We are calling on the government to immediately arrest the suspects and ensure justice is served,” Garang emphasised.

As of press time, authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations or the demands raised by the youth group.

The incident adds to growing concerns over law enforcement conduct and the protection of civilians in parts of Jonglei State, where tensions between communities and security forces have periodically surfaced in recent months.

Under South Sudan’s Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act, 2003, hunting, transporting, or trading wildlife without a valid license is a criminal offence.

The law prohibits the killing or possession of protected species and prescribes penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and the category of animal involved.

In cases of commercial poaching or involvement of fully protected species, offenders may face substantial fines, prison terms of up to several years, and confiscation of equipment used in the act.

However, the Act empowers wildlife officers to arrest suspects, seize wildlife products, and enforce conservation laws — but it does not authorise arbitrary or excessive use of lethal force.

South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution, 2011 (as amended), guarantees the right to life and protection from arbitrary deprivation of life. Even where a person is suspected of committing a wildlife offence, the law requires arrest, investigation, and prosecution through the courts.