A local court under traditional chiefs has been established in the Lokoloko residential area, west of Wau town to deal with crimes like theft and adultery, among others.
The decision to set up the court was reached after an appeal by the chiefs of the five blocks to the town mayor after a rise in petty crimes that can be handled by traditional chiefs but were being referred to the High Court for trial.
Speaking during the handover of the court’s land title, Peter Tadero, the Lokoloko residential area chief who also doubles as the head of the new court, said the establishment of the court will help the residents in resolving some of the local cases within the community.
“There are some cases in the town that can easily be handled by such a court, but some of them are being referred to the High Court, making the process congested for no reason,” he said. “We are not here to arrest people, but we are here to handle social problems within the community. If somebody does not comply with us, this is where your case will be forwarded to the authorities that can arrest you.”
The area youth leader, Broz Mohamed Mustafa, welcomed the new court.
“The new court established in the Lokoloko residential area will help in curbing some crime. We are happy because the government has brought us a court,” he stated. “We have some crimes happening here including rape and theft cases and today we are happy for this initiative because it will reduce crime in Block B.”
Another resident who identified herself as Evella Orasio said the new court will reduce the distance residents cover to seek justice.
“We are so happy because this court has shortened the distance because we were going too far to Suq Hajar for justice,” she said. “This will reduce the rate of crime because people will fear. The government should now provide us with enough police forces.”
Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel Primo Okello said the government responded by establishing the court so that residents can easily access justice.
“We thought that this would help in urgently responding to the law, and also so that we maintain our traditional laws. It is important that Block B should have a court with chiefs that can handle local cases,” he said.
Governor Okello said all the residential areas within Wau town will have their court to try their social problems. He also mentioned that chiefs will be elected by the residents.
The governor also urged the local chiefs to focus on solving problems of the local communities and take responsibility for the new court.