A group of unidentified thugs on Tuesday night torched two shops reducing to ashes goods valued in 40 million pounds in Rumbek town.
One of the victims told Good News Radio that some unarmed people broke into a boutique and a pharmacy in the same building, started attacking the traders and demanding for money before setting the places ablaze.Sefan Mohamed Ahmed, one of the owners of the burnt shops, revealed that the goods which went up into flames included clothes, perfumes, watches and jewellery stocked for Christmas and valued in 40 million pounds.
Lakes State Governor Chol Tong Mayay visited the crime scene and condemned the act.
He promised that the State Government will ensure that the suspects are brought to justice.
Eng. Tong said the criminal act presented a challenge to the State authorities and security has to be beefed up security in Rumbek.
He added that he wanted to stop the practice of shop owners sleeping in the premises to avoid night attacks.
The State’s fire brigade arrived too late to salvage anything from the burning business premises although it was near the fire.