David De Dau, the Twic East County representative in national legislative assembly narrated how an encounter with traffic police officers went bad.
“Yesterday 7th, Feb. 2024, I was on the road heading to the National Parliament. As I reached the SPLM junction heading to Kololo road, the police officers stopped me and asked me to divert my route to Kololo road because the President of the Republic was soon using the road,” he explained.
The MP said having stopped, he requested one of the officers to allow him stop aside and let the president pass before he continues to the national assembly.
“The officer exploded by being abusive, arrogant and even calling the Parliament; a Parliament of thieves and contracts! Another one withdrew his pistol from his pistol side-case-holder wanting to shoot me! I was tongue-tied,” he wrote.
The lawmaker wondered whether the police had professionally trained officers.
“The South Sudan National Police is facing a serious issue of professional behavior! I think they need serious and tough training and to be disciplined on the roads! I don’t need to be a VIP in order to feel safe on the roads!” concluded the Twic East County lawmaker, adding “Citizens must be given their respect first”.
During last month’s tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Atem Marol Biar announced plans for comprehensive training to address professionalism issues within the police force.