Eight gang members surrender to authorities in Yei

Authorities in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, have said eight members of a local gang known as the “45 gang” have voluntarily surrendered to local authorities in Luparate Sub-Boma, officials said.

The surrender, facilitated through youth leaders in Luparate Sub-Boma, comes after the group members reportedly decided to abandon gang-related activities.

It follows a similar case two months ago when five other members of the same group also surrendered and declared they had left the gang.

Speaking on Friday at Luparate Sub-Boma police station, Warrant Officer Martin Mawa Joseph, the officer in charge, confirmed the development.

He said the eight individuals presented themselves voluntarily to signal their exit from the gang.

“They have come out to say they are no longer involved in gang activities and want the government to recognize their decision,” Mawa said.

He added that security services would protect those who voluntarily leave gangs and work with community leaders to encourage further defections.

“We will stand with anyone who voluntarily leaves gang activities. This is the kind of decision we want in Luparate,” he said.

Local sub-chief John Bakata Sindani welcomed the development, urging authorities and development partners to support the youths with vocational training and agricultural programmes to reduce the risk of returning to gangs.

“If the government and NGOs can support them with skills training or farming activities, it can help them build a better future,” he said.

One of the former gang members, Dominic Mathew, urged other youths still involved in gangs to abandon violence, saying it offered no future.

“Gang life has no benefit. We have decided to leave it and I urge others to do the same and seek a better future,” he said.

Youth leader of Luparate Sub-Boma, Gabriel Lokule, called on young people to embrace reform and focus on peaceful community life, warning against involvement in nighttime movements and criminal activity.

Gang violence remains a persistent security concern in parts of South Sudan, including Yei River County, where authorities have repeatedly reported youth involvement in armed gangs and criminal groups.