A number of suspects detained at the Tombura prison say they are being held without a court hearing and verdict years after detention. They say they have not accessed any legal services due to lack of lawyers and judges.
Louise Angelo, a policeman being held at the prison told Radio Tamazuj that he has been in detention for more than a year after he killed a criminal in self-defence.
Another detainee, Simon Pambiri says he has been held for almost two years after being accused of murder. He claims he is innocent and does not know why he is in custody.
Fatina John, said she has been in detention for two years since she was accused of killing her husband whom she claims died after an accident. She also claims that she has lost personal property while in detention.
Meanwhile, Gaitano Angelo, the Acting Director of Prisons in Tombura said the issues raised by the detainees will soon be addressed.
He admitted that there is a shortage of judges and lawyers in the state resulting in a backlog of cases. But Angelo says they have requested the services of judges and lawyers to reduce the backlog saying he is hopeful, the detainees will soon go to court. He also noted that most of the detainees are petty offenders.
According to South Sudan transitional constitution, a suspect should be held not more than 3 days pending a court hearing.