Ezo County Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Road Accident, Investigation Continues

Two people were killed and others injured in two separate road accidents in Ezo County in Western Equatoria State, police said. The accidents occurred on Aug. 22 and 23, according to Col. Santo Arkangelo Ginana, director of traffic police in Western Equatoria State. The first incident occurred on Aug. 22 in Gangura Nabiapai Boma, where a three-year-old boy, identified as Animamu, was knocked down by a motorcycle, Santo said. The motorcycle was ridden by 26-year-old Bazia Charles, who was allegedly travelling at high speed and fled the scene after the incident, Santo said. Police later arrested him, and he remained in custody while investigations continued. The second accident occurred on Aug. 23 on the road between Baragu and Andari and involved two motorcycles travelling towards Ezo County, Santo said. The collision killed the two riders, identified as Tambua Emmanuel and 17-year-old Charles. One other person was injured and was receiving treatment at Ezo County Hospital, according to the police director. Santo said police were investigating the circumstances of both accidents and cited excessive speed, as well as concerns about alcohol and drug use among some road users, as factors contributing to road accidents. Badumoyosa Christopher Alfred, chairperson of the Boda-Boda Riders Association, urged motorcycle riders and other road users to reduce their speed and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He also called for greater caution around schools, churches, markets and other busy areas where pedestrians and children are present. Santo urged relatives of the victims not to take the law into their own hands and instead allow police to investigate the incidents and deal with those responsible according to the law. Police would arrest people found riding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Santo said, calling for stronger measures to address substance abuse. The accidents come amid broader concerns about drug abuse among young people in Western Equatoria. Last week, Western Equatoria Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa warned young people against drug abuse, saying it could damage their lives and contribute to other social problems.