Darkest Night! Prominent Opposition MP Luka Shot Dead!

By Swift Reporter

A South Sudanese lawmaker was shot dead late Tuesday night after unidentified gunmen stormed his home in the capital, Juba, highlighting growing concerns over the security of public officials, according to family members and political sources.

The legislator, Luka Mathen Toukpiny Luk, who represented Cueibet County in Lakes State in the Council of States, was attacked at around 10:00 p.m. at his residence in the Gudele neighbourhood. Armed assailants entered his compound shortly after he had returned from prayer and shot him inside the premises.

Mathen was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died about an hour later, sources said.

His wife, Nyan Akolde, confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, while two others remain at large as security forces continue investigations.

“Two of the people who killed my husband have been arrested. One is from Aweil and the other is from Gogrial, while two more suspects are still on the run,” Akolde said, calling on authorities to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Mathen was appointed to the Council of States under the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, representing the Other Political Parties (OPP), and replaced Malok Acuoth. During his tenure, he chaired the Council’s specialised committee on education, where colleagues described him as vocal, independent and deeply committed to both policy and constituency matters.

Opposition SPLM-IO lawmaker Juol Nhomngek Daniel said the motive for the killing remains unclear, noting that no known dispute has so far been linked to the attack.

“The reason why he was killed is still not known. He was attacked at around 10 p.m., and by 11 p.m. he had passed away,” Juol said.

He described Mathen as an active legislator who was not afraid to challenge senior figures in parliament on policy, sports-related and community issues, though such disagreements had not escalated into serious political conflict.

“He was strong and knew what he was doing. He could oppose leaders in parliament, but these were not conflicts shared by many people,” Juol said.

Mathen was also known for supporting education initiatives in his constituency, including helping students access scholarships through his role as chair of the education committee. Juol cited a case in which a student secured a scholarship following Mathen’s recommendation.

Juol said the killing underscores broader institutional weaknesses in South Sudan, where lawmakers and government officials remain vulnerable due to inadequate state protection.

“If government officials are not protected, how can they represent the people?” he asked, adding that legislators across political affiliations face similar security risks.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement identifying the attackers or outlining a motive for the killing, as investigations continue.