According to local police officials, the incident was formally reported on 9 May 2026 after the body of the deceased was discovered near an area where mourners had gathered overnight for funeral rites.
Speaking to reporters, police spokesperson Captain Kennedy Amba said preliminary findings indicate that the deceased had been distressed over the disappearance of his phone shortly before his death.
“The case was reported to police on 09/05/2026. Preliminary information indicates the deceased was distressed after losing his phone and was later found dead,” Captain Amba said.
He explained that investigators are currently treating the matter as a suspected suicide case, adding that there is, so far, no indication of foul play or criminal involvement. Police officers have since begun interviewing relatives, witnesses, and individuals who attended the funeral gathering in an effort to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
A relative of the deceased, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals and community sensitivity surrounding the matter, said the young man appeared emotionally troubled after discovering that his phone had gone missing during the funeral event.
According to the family member, the deceased spent much of the evening searching for the phone and repeatedly expressed concern over its disappearance before returning home visibly stressed.
“He was not calm after losing the phone. He kept worrying about it, and later we were shocked to hear what happened,” the relative said.
Community members described the incident as deeply disturbing, with several residents expressing concern over the increasing emotional pressure facing young people, particularly in situations involving financial hardship or the loss of valuable personal belongings.
Mobile phones are considered essential tools for communication, business, and mobile banking services in many parts of South Sudan, especially among young people who rely on them for daily survival and social connections.
Police authorities have urged members of the public, particularly young people, to seek emotional and psychological support from relatives, community leaders, religious leaders, or local authorities whenever they face distress or overwhelming situations.
Captain Amba said investigations into the incident remain ongoing and that police will continue gathering statements before issuing a final report on the case.
