A court in Eastern Equatoria State has sentenced four youth to a month in jail for violating a government imposed curfew and orders against public gatherings, police said.
The youth were arrested during Achalla, a traditional dance performed by the Otuho community if a girl accepts to marry her suitor.
The incident occurred at Hai Matar in the town of Torit.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj last Wednesday, Major Justin Kleopus Takuru, the state police spokesperson said those arrested contravened guidelines issued to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We have been telling people to stop all gatherings and celebrations. We arrested only four, the rest ran away and we opened an official case against them. They were forwarded to court, charged and each jailed for a month without bail,” he said.
The police officer underscored that the government would not tolerate anyone undermining measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“We will not tolerate any violators and we are still continuing. These youth, whose ages range between 19, 20, 24 and 28 are old enough and they are considered people of sound mind,” he explained.
Takuru warned of tougher measures against those who violate measures against the novel coronavirus.
This was the second time curfew violators are being charged in Torit.
Last month, President Salva Kiir issued an order imposing a night time curfew as the country stepped up its efforts to prevent coronavirus.