County Commissioner Luka Thel Thel, speaking by phone from Malek-alel, the county headquarters, on Friday, announced plans to arrest gang members, with organised forces set to receive orders to carry out the operation. Thel explained that the decision follows two incidents where gangs attacked and robbed a motorist.
“We will deploy a joint force of police, prison services, civil defence, and security personnel across the county,” Thel stated. “The operation will target nine payams, including Wathmuok, Panthou, and Tiaraliet, among others, rather than focusing solely on apprehending individuals.”
Thel noted that the crackdown will involve mobile patrols using assigned vehicles, primarily at night, to locate gang members. He described the groups as often armed with pangas, knives, and small firearms, and identifiable by their behaviour and presence on roads after dark.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic, emphasising that the operation aims to enhance public safety. He assured that forces are instructed to avoid heavy-handed tactics against civilians.
“Those travelling at night to health centres, for instance, and dressed in civilian clothing, will not be targeted. We know these groups by their distinctive dress and weapons, so there’s no need for concern about what will happen next week,” Thel clarified.
Thel stressed that the operation seeks to restore the peaceful coexistence that the county has been losing due to rising fear caused by gang activities. He cited another incident where gang members allegedly attempted to loot a motorist whose vehicle had a flat tire on the main road.
The commissioner called on parents to instil positive values in their children, noting a decline in cultural norms that discourage theft and banditry. He attributed the rise in such activities to the country’s challenging economic conditions.
As South Sudanese communities grapple with growing concerns over crime, it remains to be seen how local authorities will address these issues across counties and payams.
