A South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officer and his bodyguard were shot dead in an ambush in Unity State’s Koch County on Wednesday, officials have confirmed.

The two were travelling from Leer to Koch when they were intercepted by a group of armed youths, according to Brigadier General John Jock Deng, the Koch County Police Director. Speaking to The Tower Post on Thursday, he said the victims were a Second Lieutenant and his bodyguard.

The attackers made off with a PKM machine gun and the bodyguard’s personal weapon.

Brig Gen Deng identified the group’s leader as Gatluak Majok, a fugitive who broke out of detention in Leer nine months ago during a mobile court session. Majok had been in custody over the killing of Wuor Manyang in Koch market last year.

“Security forces are pursuing them,” the police director said, noting that the bodies were retrieved and taken to the county headquarters on Wednesday.

Authorities believe the armed group may attempt to defect to the SPLA-IO.

The identities of the slain officer and his bodyguard have not been disclosed.

Local sources say tensions in Koch County have increased since the SPLA-IO appointed Bany Makon Chany as its new military commissioner.