At least 100 police officers will be deployed to ensure a safe environment in Unity State during the Christmas celebrations.
Unity State Police Spokesperson John Malieth told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the security strategy would be enforced from December 24.
“Crimes usually rise in the run-up to Christmas, the New Year and Easter seasons, leaving scores of innocent people as victims,” Malieth said.
He explained that the security personnel would be stationed at key locations, including Bentiu town, Rubkonta market and Bentiu IDP camp, including the Sector Two market.
Malieth further said that officers undertaking the security measures would be tasked with several duties including inspecting vehicles on the roads and frisking individuals at the entrances of the celebration venues.
He said the security officers would respect human rights and dignity during the process.
“Police will undertake search measures at the designated entrances of the celebration places, the churches and the markets,” he said, adding, “females shall be frisked by female police.”
“Security personnel undertaking searches should respect dignity and human rights during the procedures,” stated Malieth.
A resident of the Bentiu IDP camp, Simon Kueth Tap, said that the deployment of the police was good because Christmas and New Year celebrations often witnessed a rise in criminal activities.
We welcome the heavy deployment of police personnel to protect us from gangs. This celebration will be the second since the beginning of the conflict December 2013 December, he said.
Nyamuch Koang, however lamented that despite the deployment of the forces, the people had little in their hands to celebrate Christmas with, as the civil servants were yet to get their salaries.
“Good security with no money to celebrate Christmas is very unfortunate,” she said.