At least seventeen suspected gang members have been arrested as Torit Municipal Council authorities continue to check gang activities in Torit town in Eastern Equatoria State.
On 19 March, three gang members were arrested on allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl in Torit town. This prompted the Torit Municipal Council to increase joint security patrols to crack down on criminal activities in the town.
Torit Mayor Mustafa Albino Zachariah told Radio Tamazuj Monday that the 17 suspected gang members were found with sharp objects to carry out criminal activities at the time of their arrest. He said the detained suspected gang members will be charged with causing public unrest if found guilty by the court and that operations to arrest more errant youths are ongoing.
“It is true that we have arrested more than 17 boys who are gang members holding knives and they will be taken to face charges in the court. These boys were arrested doing minor criminal activities but six of them, two girls and four boys, were released,” he explained. “There is a charge of causing public unrest and if found guilty, they will serve six months in prison. We are going to intensify the crackdown and we shall continue to trace them and even if they enter a hole, we shall get them from there.”
For his part, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdulatif, the Inspector of Police in Torit Central Division, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects will be tried in court this week.
“These days there are patrols to reduce the activities of niggers (gang members) and it is our duty as the police to ensure order. Some youths are creating instability in the town, so those found in groups are arrested. Those who are suspected to be niggers will be taken to court,” he said. “Some of them were arrested with pangas and knives. Our forces have intensified patrolling the whole town and we shall continue to add more forces and effort.”
Meanwhile, Apoko Betty, a civil society activist in Eastern Equatoria State, commended the security forces for apprehending the suspects, saying it would help curb gang activity. She urged parents to monitor and take good care of their children to avoid them from engaging in criminal activities.
“What they (police) are doing is good and is even promoting security so let them continue,” she stated. “Those who have been arrested should be given work to do as punishment. If they are not punished, some of them will just feel that even if they are arrested, nothing will happen and they will be released.”