At least 19 more suspected gang members have been arrested and remanded to Torit Central Prison in Eastern Equatoria State as the Torit municipality continues to crack down on gangs.
This is in addition to 17 suspected gang members who were arrested last week. as the Torit municipality continues to crack down on gangs in Town
The suspects are accused of causing insecurity, threatening citizens, and carrying out criminal activities using pangas and knives.
Major General Ali Abdalatif, the chief inspector of police at Torit Municipal Council, said the 19 arrested suspects were referred to Torit Central Prison awaiting trial as the investigation continues. He however revealed that the court hearing for the suspected gangsters arrested last week was adjourned to 15 April 2024 at Torit High Court
“We arrested these gangsters in different locations, some from Ifwanyak, Kuku, and Iluhum. Our patrols arrested the suspected gangsters while they were in groups. They will be detained to be tortured and face primary investigations,” he said. “For anybody possessing panga or knife, we shall open a case against him to face court. We have referred about 19 to the judge for court hearing but the Judge postponed their case till 15 April and currently, they are on remand.”
Juma Joe Adriano, an advocate in Eastern Equatoria State, said the law allows for remanding suspects for not more than 60 days.
“If one is to be remanded, he will first be detained by the police for 24 hours and thereafter be taken to court but if these suspects are many and some are not arrested, those arrested will be taken for remand for investigation till investigation is done,” he explained. “These suspects will be remanded for 60 days and after the 60 days if the missing suspects are not arrested, those detained will be taken to court for the hearing.”
Meanwhile, Oryem Emmanuel, a human rights activist, welcomed the move, saying the Central Police Station is too small to accommodate the 19 suspected gangsters.
“Those remanded in prison can get food and accommodation while waiting for judgment. The police premises is very small and may not be able to accommodate 19 men,” he said. “Meanwhile, they have to expedite the court process so that each person defends himself or herself in the court of law. I urge the parents to go and monitor the situation of their children closely.”