South Sudan’s Inspector General of Police, General Majak Akech Malok says he is heading to Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State to find out from the ground why a catholic bishop was shot.
“The president (Salva Kiir Mayardit) and the entire leadership of this country (South Sudan) is concerned about the Rumbek incident where a bishop-elect was shot, the president has directed that I go and find out more information on the incident and work to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.” Said General Majak on Tuesday.
He said he will set off from Juba on Wednesday for Lakes State.
“President Salva Kiir has issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms possible the attempt on the life of the Bishop-elect.” Added the Inspector General of Police
The Bishop-elect for Rumbek Diocese, Christian Carlassare, was shot on April 25th at night in South Sudan’s Lakes State by unknown gunmen, according to state official.
The Bishop-elect has been airlifted to Nairobi for treatment.
Lakes State authorities say, they have arrested more than twenty four (24) people in connection with the shooting promising to ensure justice prevails.
Lakes State Caretaker Minister of Information, William Kocji Kerjok said the state is working to end the violence against the church leaders once and for all
“This is not the first time for this kind of a thing where senior church members are targeted, two years ago, one of the senior pastors was killed in Cuei-bet County and this time they launched an attack on the new bishop,” Said Kocji.
The Italian born Comboni Missionary Cleric was appointed Bishop for Rumbek Dioceses on March 8.
His Episcopal ordination was scheduled for a Pentecost Sunday May 23
He travelled to Rumbek Diocese April 15 following days of spiritual retreat in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.
Rumbek Diocese became vacant in July 2021 following the sudden death of Bishop Caesar Mazzolari.
The comboni Missionary Bishop collapsed during the celebration of Holy Eucharist in July 2011; one week after South Sudan’s Independence and was confirmed dead at Rumbek State Hospital
