South Sudan launches manhunt after killing of 12 football fans

South Sudan police said on Monday that they have launched a manhunt to track down a gunman suspected of killing at least 12 and injuring eight football fans who were watching football on television over the weekend in Juba.

Deputy police spokesperson Colonel Kwaicjok Dominic Amondot told reporters in Juba that the Saturday evening attack in the Gurei suburb saw nine people die on spot and three others in hospital, adding that at least eight sustained injuries.

He said survivors have provided police with information that can help track down the suspect who still remain at large, adding that a coordinated search has been launched in the whole city.

Amondot said investigators have established that the suspect picked up an argument after refusing to pay cash for watching the televised premier league football match. He later returned with a gun and fired randomly at the crowd.

The police spokesman further dismissed claims linking the shooting to ethnic violence or revenge attacks since the victims were ethnically different.

"Some survivors told us that they can recognize the suspect if they see him. They have given us enough information. So we are still running after him and we are sure that we will capture him," Amondot said.

South Sudan has been devastated by violence since the outbreak of conflict in December 2013. Endit