South Sudan security agencies had arrested 20 suspects behind renewed violence in Sherikat, a suburb of capital Juba this week, a government official has said.

Paul Mayom Akech, interior minister, told reporters in Juba that nine people who died in the latest violence that was sparked by wrangles over a disputed piece of land included seven civilians and two army officers.

“Security agents have arrested 20 and they are in the police custody,” Mayom said.

He noted that calm had returned to the suburb after the authorities’ intervention.

“We urge people to maintain the cardinal principle of peaceful social coexistence that our communities have enjoyed since we came to be part of this planet as people of South Sudan,” said Mayom.

President Kiir on Thursday formed a high-level investigation committee to probe the incident and press charges against the perpetrators within a week. (Xinhua)