South Sudan police chief accused of ‘looting’ citizens

JUBA – A prominent South Sudan activist has accused the country’s police chief, Gen. Majak Akec’s administration of looting the public after authorities were reported to have been collecting fines from citizens with factory-tinted cars.

Wani Michael, the executive director of Okay Africa who resigned this week from the position said the money being raised from the citizens under the pre-text of fine are not remitted to state finance institutions such as the ministry of finance.

“Police IGP is spearheading CORRUPTION and LOOTING of our people. This issue of factory light tinted glasses and driving test is just another way of looting the innocent South Sudanese,” Wani wrote on his Facebook page.

“Just for your information, the money the Traffic Police collect from you is never remitted to the Ministry of Finance,” he added, saying the money do not also reflect in any of the country’s national budget.

The outspoken activist further said he was at one point, in 2019, raised the concerns regarding the issue, but was instead warned by some lawmakers that he will risk losing his life talking about it.

“During the FY 2019/2020 Parliamentary budget review meetings, I did raise this particular issue and I was told by some MPs to mind my own business if I want to live on this earth,” Wani said.

“Otherwise, mafias will come after me. The money collected by the Traffic Police in the name of fines and charges end-up in their pockets and senior Officers.  All these decisions must be sanctioned by Parliament. Let all drivers park their cars in Parliament!” he added.