Torit State Governor Tobiolo Alberio Oromo has warned the organized forces against harassing civilians, instead of protecting them.
The governor made the remarks at the graduation ceremony of 43 civil defense and police forces at Torit Freedom Square on Wednesday.
Oromo urged the new recruits to prioritize protection of the citizens and also ensure that they are active and loyal to their commanders.
“Your role as civil defense, traffic and any other men and women in uniform is to protect the people of South Sudan and their properties as provided for in the constitution of the country. You must be active, loyal to your commanders and ready to face hardships,” he said.
The governor further cautioned traffic officers against harassing passengers and drivers along roads, saying it is unethical. He urged the civil defense forces to prepare for wildfires as dry season looms.
Lt. Col. James Joseph Abraham, the National Civil Defense Service director in the state said training of the forces took three months.
“We have 30 civil defense officers and 13 police officers, totaling to 43. This training took three months, it started from September 1, 2019 up to the graduation on December 18, 2019,” Abraham said.
He added, “The 13 police officers will join police operations while the other 30 civil defense officers will protect civilians and save lives”.