By Okech Francis
JUBA
South Sudanese police have arrested four people suspected of killing a British aid worker on Tuesday.
"So far, four people have been detained for investigation, while the search continues for the perpetrators of the crime," police spokesman James Enoka said in a Wednesday press statement.
"An investigation team has been formed headed by Brig. Deng Thon. The investigation is ongoing," he added.
According to Enoka, Michael Terence Light, who had worked for the U.S.-based Carter Center, was killed Tuesday evening after gunmen followed him into his residential compound.
"Light… devoted his life and committed his time to serving the poor people of South Sudan. He worked for the Carter Center, an American organization that works in the field of health, specifically working to eliminate guinea worms," the statement read.
Citing eyewitness accounts, Light arrived at the gate of his Juba compound at around 8:30pm, where he was followed by two vehicles.
"The first vehicle entered the compound after him. Michael drove and parked 15 meters away from the gate and walked 10 meters towards the store," the statement read.
"Unfortunately," it added, "he was shot with three bullets: one in the head, the others in the abdomen. He died on spot."
"The Civil Guards who were there could not help. They only managed to run away to save their lives," the statement added.
Enoka went on to condemn the murder, saying South Sudan had lost an "important partner."
He asserted: "South Sudan's National Police Service strongly condemns this killing and appeals to the U.K. and the family of the deceased to stay calm as the police service is taking action against the perpetrators."
"These criminals are the enemies of peace and stability. They must be apprehended and face justice," he added, urging members of the public to share with police any information they had on the attackers' identities.
"Michael was a humanitarian; he didn't die in vain. He died while working for the underprivileged of our society," said Enoka.
