Rumbek police seize beer from home of senior official
May 22, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudanese security forces in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes state have seized more then 417 crates of beers that were store in the house, Elijah Malok Aleng, the former Governor of Central Bank of South Sudan on Wednesday.
Alcohol is legal in South Sudan but Lakes state’s caretaker military governor has banned drinking in a bid to improve security and stop cattle raids and related violence that have blighted the state in recent months.
The law of banning alcoholic is not in South Sudan constitution or constitution of the state.
A family member in Aleng’s house told Sudan Tribune that the security officers who entered the house did not show respect to those staying in the house.
“We were being harassed, intimated and threatened not to speak to anybody in security related matters” said family member who requested anonymity.
On Tuesday a large number of beer sellers were arrested by Rumbek police, accused for having broken marshal law imposed by military caretaker Governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol.
Businessman say that traders arrested for selling alcohol are not being taken to court but just have their goods destroyed without compensation.
Among people arrested on Tuesday were 12 foreign national who sell beer in Rumbek central market.
On Wednesday, the Lakes state government decided to release all those detained in Tuesday’s beer search but the foreign salesmen are reported to have refused to leave the prison, demanding compensation from government.
“Government is disturbing us a lot. Our business is collapsing”, said one businessman who requested anonymity.
In January Lakes state’s new military caretaker governor, Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol, introduced a set of tough reforms to quell insecurity in the state. Under the plans, commissioners of all eight counties have been directed to confront cattle raiders and bring them to justice.
Failure to do so will result in their immediate dismissal. He also warned members of Lakes state’s legislative assembly to stop debating politics in parliament, saying he will shut down parliament if political topics continue.
Politics is Lakes state were thrown in turmoil earlier this year when elected governor, Chol Tong Mayay was sacked and replaced by Dhuol.
Many citizens have complained about Dhuol’s tough stance on security issues, accusing him of implementing martial law and holding young men without charge in secret military prisons without access to lawyers or their families.
Dhuol’s critics have also pointed out that under South Sudan’s interim constitution an election should have been held 60 days after the caretaker governor appointed. This deadline passed on 21 March and no plans have been announced to hold an election before the 2015 national elections to the disappointment of some activists.
Lakes state’s deputy governor has threatened to “crucify” critical journalists and activists who continue to criticise the government.
(ST)