Jonglei authorities order bar closure to control army deserters

June 19, 14 (BOR) – Authorities in South Sudan’s Jonglei state have ordered for temporary closure of bars and all local brewing sites as part of efforts to control misbehaving South Sudan army (SPLA) soldiers in the capital, Bor.

Over 100 SPLA soldiers from its commando unit recently deserted their operational area in Gadiang area of Jonglei over claims that they had not been provided their salaries as well as food.

A police officer accused the deserters of engaging in reckless drinking and using illegal drugs in Bor town.

“Of course the deserters who are in Bor, when they are not taking bhang and other things, then there is no problem, but they are taking bhang, drink a lot and shoot anyhow. That is why we close the bars to find out where theya re selling bhang”, Mabior Adhiok said Thursday.

Law enforcement officer also arrested and detained a number of SPLA soldiers and women in connection with illegal drug dealings and selling of locally brewed alcohol respectively as investigations in to their cases gets underway on Monday.

It is not clear whether the arrested soldiers would be handed over to the military prison pending investigation or not.

Adhoik said the control measures initiated by the police unit would restore peace in the area following rampant cases of random shootings and robberies, which have caused panic in Bor town lately.

“These two days, the security in Bor has been calm, because we maintain the security, by closing the bars and night patrols”, he noted.

(ST)