South Sudan police hold 19 suspected criminals

August 8, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudan police authorities in the country’s capital Juba are holding a group of ten suspected burglars in custody, a week after arresting nine other suspects, authorities say.

The captured suspects, officials say, include policemen, members of the South Sudan army (SPLA) and two foreign nationals. The group are accused of robbing residents of Munuki and Gudele.

Director of criminal investigation and department and crimes, Johnson Losuk, said the suspects were arrested after carrying out a joint operation with Central Equatoria state police and internal security agents.

“They were using guns to break into houses and rob residents,” Losuk said, explaining that last week his department arrested criminals including a nine-year-old boy which the group used as a guard.

Losuk hailed the initiative, saying that it will significantly reduce criminal activities in the region and commended the leadership of the two institutions for setting up the team.

He said residents of Gudele and Muniki had been blighted by criminality, notably shop break-ins, before the initiative took place. Police night patrols have also been implemented in the area.

Losuk commended President Salva Kiir for speaking openly about crimes being committed and said the arrests were a direct result of his leadership.

(ST)