South Sudan has launched a special operation against gangsters currently terrorizing the country’s capital city.
The Central Equatoria Authorities have so far managed to arrest more than 600 Suspected Gang Members in Juba Precinct.
The government of Central Equatoria State in South Sudan announced that in the ongoing crackdown against criminals, the authorities have arrested over 620 individuals suspected of belonging to criminal gangs in the capital, Juba.
The operation against crime happens to be part of a security campaign aimed at curbing violence and organized crime in the South Sudanese Capital as well as its environs.
The Deputy Governor, Paulino Lukudu explained in a press conference that joint security operations led to the apprehension of 623 suspects linked to various criminal groups.
The criminal gangs include the notorious ‘Four SG’ (4SG) Slime, West Coast, ODA, the Killers Gang and the Black Devils.
These gangs, according to reports have always been involved in cases of armed robberies, gang rape, assaults, and drug trafficking.
The Deputy governor explained that the crackdown leading to the gang members’ arrests, followed extensive intelligence investigations and was carried out by a joint force comprising police, national security, and military personnel.
Lukudu emphasized that the arrests aim to ‘enhance security and restore stability in neighborhoods that of late have been mostly affected by violence!’
Deputy Governor Lukudu called for cooperation from civil society and families to steer youth toward “positive paths,” noting that the suspects would face legal procedures.
This measure comes as part of the state government’s efforts to combat rising gang activity, amid calls for improving economic and social conditions for youth to reduce criminal involvement.