MUNDRI – Police in Mundri West County have launched investigations into the theft of 12.8 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) from Ezra Baya Primary and Secondary School, in an incident that has left residents shocked and concerned about the safety of public institutions.
The money was reportedly stolen on Monday night, with school administrators discovering the loss and reporting the matter to authorities on Tuesday. The incident has sparked anxiety among community members, many of whom fear the theft could disrupt learning activities and undermine confidence in local education systems.
Several residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fears of retaliation, described the theft as a serious setback for the school and its students.
“This money was meant to support the school and our children,” one resident said. “We are worried because schools should not become targets for criminals.”
Another resident pointed to the broader challenge of limited access to reliable banking services in Mundri, saying institutions are often left with no choice but to store large sums of money on their premises.
“It is dangerous to keep such money at school, but sometimes there is no alternative,” the resident added, noting that the absence of a secure financial infrastructure increases vulnerability to crime.
Confirming the incident, the Inspector of Police in Greater Mundri, Major General Martin Mayiek, said preliminary findings show that SSP 12.8 million was taken from the school.
“Preliminary investigations confirm that 12.8 million SSP were stolen,” Maj. Gen. Mayiek told the media on Wednesday. “We are following leads, and security agencies are working hard to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice.”
He assured the public that police are actively pursuing suspects and gathering evidence to recover the stolen funds.
Maj. Gen. Mayiek also cautioned schools and other institutions against keeping large amounts of cash on their premises, warning that such practices expose them to unnecessary risk.
“We appeal to schools not to keep large amounts of cash at school,” he said. “If there are challenges depositing money in the bank, they should contact the police. We can provide escorts or hold the money safely at the police station.”
Investigations into the theft remain ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to track down those behind the crime.
