The authorities in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, on Thursday, said three local youths who were detained at the SSPDF barracks for different reasons have been set free after collaborative efforts by the army and local government.
Addressing the media after the release of the youths, County Commissioner Charles Data said he was happy that they were free and advised them to desist from criminal activity.
“I am very happy for the release of these three people in our midst. One of them was arrested in September on suspicion of being a rebel but because he spoke the truth, the SSPDF released him today. This man is a thief who stole people’s property and got arrested and people in the community said he should return home. I have talked to him to distance himself from stealing,” he explained. “The third one took a photo in the military barracks in Isebi and people demanded he be handed over to the police. Taking a photo in the military barracks is prohibited all over the world but because of the understanding of our soldiers, he was lucky and is free now and his phones and camera shall be returned to him after investigations.”
For his part, Amiki James Destiny, one of the freed youths, said he was not tortured and advised the public to seek permission before taking pictures in public places.
“The truth is that they did not beat me since that very day I was arrested in Isebi. The only thing is that I was made to sleep outside, but when I arrived here, nothing happened to me,” he said. “I want to say thank you to the government and everyone and I want to apologize to the whole community that I was so guilty of what I did and it is a lesson I have learned. I advise the youth to ask for permission if they want to do something.”
Meanwhile, Isaac Moro, the security coordinator in the county, assured the public that the relationship between the national army, security organs, and the civilians in Morobo County will continue to improve as the number of returnees from refugee camps keeps increasing.
“The people should understand that the civil-military relations in the county are pleasant and these people have accepted their mistakes. The people should know that we do not have problems with civilians in Morobo,” he stated. “I want to thank the commissioner for this arrangement with the commander of SSPDF in Morobo County that has made these people accept their mistakes and they are free now.”