Traders in Masia Market in the Western Equatoria State capital, Yambio, are counting losses after burglars broke into five shops and stole goods and cash reportedly totalling over SSP 20 million.
Terezina Zambia, a trader who spoke on behalf of her colleagues and the local chamber of commerce, said Masia Market has been under continuous threats for the past few weeks, with thieves repeatedly targeting shops and small traders’ kiosks. She reported that palm oil jerrycans belonging to women traders were stolen, along with items brought from Uganda by a local trader.
“This Christmas festive season, we do not know how we will protect our goods. Last night alone, three shops were broken into, despite security patrols,” she said while urging the state government to deploy more security forces to protect them and their properties and restore order.
Kumboyenki Santo, another vendor in Masia Market, estimated that the stolen items were worth about SSP 20 million. He said one trader, Zangiriza, has had his shops broken into three times this month.
“The government needs to take control of Masia Market to protect traders,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yambio Mayor Fozia Abbas Barnaba Bangasu expressed disappointment over the repeated incidents. She confirmed that three shops were burglarized earlier this week and noted the hardship traders face traveling to Uganda to bring goods, only to lose them to thieves.
“We do not want people moving within the market after 7 p.m., and anyone found in restricted areas will be arrested,” she said. She also promised to fence the market and deploy security forces immediately.
For his part, Joseph Ndani, Executive Director of Lift South Sudan, who doubles as the secretary-general of a civil society organization in Yambio, condemned the thefts. He said targeting traders undermines livelihoods and threatens community peace and security, and called on authorities to investigate, apprehend the perpetrators, and protect Masia Market.
Shop owners expressed frustration and urged swift action to prevent further theft.
Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Ton could not be reached for comment. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the break-ins, which have been occurring over the past month, and have appealed to the public to provide any information to help track the culprits.