(MUNDRI) – One woman was killed and two male passengers were injured on Wednesday morning in a roadside ambush along the Mundri–Juba highway, according to the Police Commissioner in Western Equatoria State.
Major General Philip Madut confirmed the incident and said the attack occurred near Lui, a location along the busy highway that connects the Western Equatoria town of Mundri to the national capital, Juba. The vehicle, which was transporting passengers from Mundri to Juba, was suddenly ambushed by unidentified armed men.
“Yesterday, there was a car travelling from Mundri to Juba, and when it reached Lui, the vehicle was ambushed. As a result, one woman was killed and two men were injured,” General Madut said in a statement to Eye Radio.
The identity of the attackers remains unknown, but police have described them as armed criminals who regularly target travellers in remote areas of the state. According to authorities, the motive for such attacks is usually robbery.
No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning, and security forces are reportedly searching the area.
The attack adds to a series of violent ambushes that have been reported along key roads in Western Equatoria, which remain vulnerable due to limited police and military patrols. These criminal incidents continue to endanger civilian lives and disrupt travel, trade, and humanitarian access across South Sudan.
Despite efforts by security agencies, highway ambushes have persisted in Western Equatoria, especially on remote and poorly guarded roads. The repeated attacks have raised concerns among road users, local traders, and aid workers who rely on overland travel.
Local officials have urged national authorities to strengthen security along the highway by increasing patrols and ensuring rapid response to threats. Residents also continue to call for better road infrastructure and more reliable communication systems to report emergencies.
The police commissioner reassured the public that investigations are underway and that the state security forces are working to locate the suspects and prevent future attacks.
