13 inmates escape from Lakes state’s Cueibet prison

July 23, 2015 (RUMBEK) – At least 13 inmates escaped from Cueibet county prison in South Sudan’s Lakes state over the weekend, authorities told Sudan Tribune Thursday.

According to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials, 26 people were arrested on 5 July, following revenge attacks between Pan-Awuor and Pan-Nguong sub-clans, which left 15 people dead and 21from either side wounded.

Officials said they managed to re-arrest 26 of the inmates who escaped from prison.

The Cueibet county commissioner, Isaac Mayom Malek confirmed the incident, adding that seven policemen have been arrested and would be charged for negligence.

“It is correct. We have 26 suspected people who were arrested since July due to clashes between Pan-Awuor and Pan-Nguong. 13 prisoners escaped from prison and we arrested seven policemen for having allowed them to escape,” said the commissioner.

“We will take measures to search for inmates who escaped and bring them to book,’ he added.

Multiple sources say Cueibet prison conditions are extremely bad, with poor ventilation with prisoners being kept under trees, which provides leeway for inmate to run away.

Mayom, however, acknowledged that the prison conditions were poor, but that the county authorities were working hard to improve it and ensure better services in future.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in cycles of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

There have been growing calls from citizens for the removal of Lakes state Governor Matur Chut Dhuol, but President Salva Kiir has so far overlooked these demands.

Law enforcement officers have complained about the public’s reluctance to share information with authorities, making it difficult to maintain law and order in the region.

(ST)