The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) issued a firm warning to club owners against permitting teenagers to organize discos, parties, or social gatherings on their premises.
The caution comes as part of an extensive security plan for the New Year revelries announced by Police Spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial on Monday in Juba.
“The risks and consequences of allowing teenagers to secretly conduct such activities at your premises are serious and will not be tolerated,” he said, emphasizing that law enforcement will monitor compliance to prevent unlawful gatherings.
The police outlined a robust security plan aimed at ensuring safety across the nation during the New Year celebrations. The deployment will focus on key locations, including Juba International Airport, churches, public celebration venues, markets, bridges, and strategic installations such as government institutions, NGOs, and embassies.
“Our primary objective is to protect lives and properties, ensure safety in public celebration areas, and prevent theft or destruction of decorations and gifts,” Col. Kassara stated.
He added that police will also provide a secure environment for shoppers in busy retail areas, coordinate with local law enforcement to respond swiftly to security incidents and implement measures to counter cyber threats, such as phishing scams targeting online shoppers.
To enhance security at celebration venues, the police will conduct searches at designated entrances. “Female police personnel will handle searches for women, and all procedures will respect human dignity and rights,” Col. Kassara assured.
He described the security situation from 26 to 30 December as “relatively calm and stable” nationwide, with stable highways and interconnecting routes.
He however said some isolated criminal incidents were recorded, including domestic violence in Warrap State’s Kuajok Town where a 31-year-old housewife was beaten to death by her husband in Gumel-Ayok-Thok village and that the perpetrator was apprehended.
In another case, a 20-year-old man was assaulted and stabbed to death in the Lologo residential area of Wau Town in Western Bahr el Ghazal and the suspect is in custody. In Northern Bahr el Ghazal State’s, Aweil East County, a 12-year-old girl was defiled in Majook-yien-thiou. The suspect was detained and the victim is receiving medical care.
In Upper Nile State’s Maban County, two separate incidents involved a foreign national being shot by an unidentified perpetrator and an accidental shooting of a wife by her husband in Maban Refugee Camp.
Additionally, 10 South Sudanese deportees were received at Juba International Airport on 23 December. Col. Kassara said they had no criminal records and were reunited with their families.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure New Year celebration and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement officials and report any suspicious activities.
“Our forces are ready to respond to any security incident without delay and provide any necessary humanitarian assistance,” he said.