(BOR COUNTY) – Authorities in Jonglei State have detained approximately 40 individuals suspected of gang related activity during a police operation in Bor town on Friday.
Bor Mayor Jacob Acheik Machar confirmed the arrests in an interview with the state owned SSBC on Saturday, identifying the suspects as people involved in repeated disturbances to public order in the town.
“This is the crackdown of the gangsters,” Mayor Acheik said. “These boys have disturbed the town for many days, many months, and many years. Numerous people have lost their lives because of their actions.”
The mayor expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police for supporting the operation.
Standing beside several of the detained individuals, Acheik urged families to stop supporting children involved in criminal behaviour.
“These are our own children, but today is a day of celebration. All parents must stand with the law abiding children, not those who act against their neighbours and themselves,” he said.
Mayor Acheik added that the government plans to rehabilitate the youth through orientation programmes designed to guide them away from crime.
“We must ensure these children participate in the new orientation provided by the Government of South Sudan,” he said.
The mayor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in Bor and ensuring accountability for those who break the law.