Torit mayor threatens to close hotels over prostitution claims
By Ijoo Bosco
September 29, 2014 (TORIT) – The mayor of Torit town in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state, Martin Odeki Ohuro, has threatened to shut down two hotels in the town, who he has accused of using the premises for the purposes of prostitution.
He also revealed that he had deployed a team of investigators to verify the allegations that prostitutes were operating at the hotels and surrounding residential suburbs, vowing to rid Torit town of what he described as immoral practices.
South Sudanese nationals found to be involved in the commercial sex trade could face a prison term, while foreigners are automatically deported.
Ohuro reiterated his commitment to stamp out prostitution, saying Eastern Equatoria had previously been a relatively free of the illicit trade and adding he was prepared to take a tough stance.
The mayor also expressed concern over the potential spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, which he says have already killed a number of people in the state and the country at large.
He notes that other venereal diseases also pose a threat to the population of South Sudan, warning citizens not to risk their health.
Ohuro said he first became suspicious that the hotels were operating illegal prostitution business on a recent tour of Torit, saying the owners had been issued with warnings that their premises would be shut down unless they ceased their activities.
(ST)