The deputy director of the prison, Colonel Gattour Thak was arrested on Monday after 11 prisoners escaped from a forest in Mayom County, Unity State. Officials reported that the colonel was detained due to unauthorized actions involving the prisoners.
Mayom County Commissioner, Luke Chierey, explained the situation to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, stating, “The colonel, who serves as the deputy director general for the prison, was arrested on Monday for misusing his authority over the prisoners. Last Sunday, he ordered 22 prisoners to cut firewood in the forest without informing the director general.”
He added that, “Subsequently, 11 of these prisoners escaped from the forest. Their identities have not been disclosed, but most of them are individuals previously arrested for cattle theft. Additionally, one individual involved in a rape case also fled with them. These 11 individuals had their cases reviewed by a mobile court established two weeks ago.”
Commissioner Chierey further elaborated, “They include 10 men suspected of cattle raiding and one man accused of rape in the Mayom area. While they were initially detained for cattle theft and could have been released upon returning the stolen cows, their escape from the forest complicates their legal situation.”
He added, providing direct quotes, “On Sunday, the deputy director for Prisons without authorization released 22 prisoners and took them to the forest to perform some menial work, including cutting down some trees. The Deputy Director hid in the forest as the prisoners made their escape.”
“We arrested the deputy director of the prison for taking the prisoners to cut firewood, resulting in the escape of 11 prisoners from the forest. There’s no clear reason why they were taken to the forest for this task,” explained the commissioner.
The commissioner further stated that the deputy director would be detained and held in police custody until disciplinary action is taken against him.
“The deputy director is being disciplined to prevent a recurrence of such negligence,” Commissioner Chierey emphasized. “He is currently in police custody and should learn to oversee prisoner work more diligently.”
The deputy director general for the prison in Mayom was transported to Bentiu town yesterday, where his case will be investigated.