The government of Western Equatoria State Wednesday formed a joint security force to monitor and combat crime in Yambio town during the upcoming festive season.
More than 400 security personnel comprising police, the army, fire brigade, wildlife, prisons, and the National Security Service will be deployed in four zones of Yambio Town, Masia Market, Poso, Yambio Main Market, and Suk Siro.
Addressing the joint forces, the governor of Western Equatoria State, Alfred Futuyo Karaba, gave directives to the commanders to refrain from drunkenness and monitor their forces to deliver services to the communities during the season.
“What we need during this Christmas is respect, even the commander should be the one to start the respect because if you drink and give directives it will not work. All the commanders should not drink so that the work can go well,” Futuyo said.
Meanwhile, the police commissioner in Yambio, James Mande Enoka, said during this festive season, celebratory gunshots have been prohibited in the state. He said only security forces on duty will be allowed to carry guns.
Mande called upon the forces to observe discipline while patrolling, keep the peace, and combat crime and violence.
“This team has 400 soldiers and 50 commanders. The celebrations of this Christmas should be in peace with no crime, killing, and theft. Respect to everyone, we have given a directive to the public that there will be no gunshots this season, and it is in place,” he stressed.
The joint forces operation will run for 20 days, starting Wednesday and ending on 5th January 2021.