Violent inter-communal clashes broke out in Rumbek Centre in South Sudan’s Lakes State on Saturday, police said.

Speaking to reporters in Rumbek town this morning, the state police spokesperson, Captain Elijah Mabor Makuac said violent clashes occurred in Rumbek Centre between Gony, Dhiei, Kuei, Pakam and Rup communities.

According to preliminary reports, he said, the fighting claimed the lives of at least 41 people. He added that nearly 60 people sustained injuries in the fighting.

 “We are still investigating to know the number of people killed and wounded in the fighting which occurred on Saturday,” said Elijah.

The police officer pointed out that the cause of fighting between the communities remains unclear. Mabor said security forces have been deployed to hotspots in the area to restore calm.

“The government is also planning to send traditional leaders and administrators to talk to those people. So, these are the measures the government has taken so far,” he said.

According to reports, the routine of inter-communal clashes in many parts of the country prevails due to lack of an efficient justice system.