Torit Town Mayor Mustafa Albino Zachariah has banned all forms of disco dances in the municipality.
The Mayor told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the ban was effective from Sunday till further notice, adding that gang members were taking advantage of night club activities to commit crime.
“The music is attracting groups from all corners, who were creating problems in the town,” said the Mayor, adding that the restriction would be lifted if the situation improves.
The ban followed a security committee meeting in the Eastern Equatoria State over the rise in gang activities in the municipality.
The committee, however, allowed traditional dances to continue, but advised the organizers to seek permission and the deployment of the security agents.
Last month, an 18-year-old boy, identified only as Sabri, was killed in Torit town following clashes between unidentified gangs. The clashes involving the use of pangas, knives, arrows and spears, left five other people, including a soldier, critically injured.
The municipal council deployed forces to hunt for the gang members in residential areas, where about 30 suspects were arrested and were currently in police custody awaiting trial
Gabriel Akuot Manyager of Labalwa Bar expressed shock over the ban, saying it will affect their business. He appealed to government to deploy more forces to patrol and protect citizens instead of enforcing the ban, which he believes will not solve the insecurity problem.
Eastern Equatoria State civil society activist Charles Okullu welcomed the ban, saying it will help address the insecurity in the town
Okullu, who works for Peace Link Foundation, urged the Municipal authorities to collaborate with the local communities to strengthen patrols in the residential areas.
He said disco ban should be reinforced by joint patrols by the police and the arm at night.