Acting National Minister of Interior Peter Puok Koang and Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony agreed, after meeting on Wednesday, to jointly check insecurity in Juba City and clampdown on the activities of violent youth gangs commonly known as Toronto Boys who often mug people.
Last year, over 100 Toronto Boys were rounded up during an operation carried out by law enforcement officers of the city council but violent crime has continued to plague the city.
Addressing the press after their meeting in Juba on Wednesday, Acting Minister Koang said people in Juba have severally voiced concerns about the skyrocketing violent crime orchestrated by gangs and said they discussed how to check the vice.
“We discussed crime in Juba because it is a concern that was brought forward by the public and we have directed all the security entities and public in the city to help in reporting crimes committed by the gangs,” he said. “That is what we specifically discussed.”
For his part, Governor Adil called on the public to be vigilant and report crimes or suspicious people and behaviour to nearby police stations or the security forces. He said that all local authorities have been directed to know the people living in their respective areas.
“One of the things the citizens have noted with great concern is the unruly Toronto gangs also known as Niggers who continue to cause harm to the communities. We call on the public to be vigilant and report to the nearby police stations or security forces any unusual behaviour or any crime,” he said. “We have also directed local authorities to know from all our councils in Juba city how the people are living because we want peace and harmony in our communities.”
“Strategies are underway to strengthen the security in the city ahead of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations,” Governor Adil added.
Elements of the youth gangs, also referred to as the Toronto Boys, recently while trying to rob a pregnant woman who was pillion riding, made her fall off the motorbike to her untimely death.
The hotspots for gang activity in Juba are the suburbs of Atlabara, Khor William, Lologo, Gudele, Munuki, and Kubri Haboba among others.