The authorities in Eastern Equatoria State’s Magwi County have released 24 children who were apprehended a month ago during a crackdown on juvenile crime involving betting, gambling, and drug abuse, and other illegal activities.
The children were pardoned so that they could sit first-term exams, albeit under strict supervision in collaboration with school administrations. Officials also issued a stern warning to those out of school to refrain from criminality and warned of severe legal consequences.
Captain Koji Richard, the police crime officer in Magwi County, emphasized the effectiveness of a newly developed law within the community that prohibits children from participating in betting during school hours.
“The police enforced it with the support of the community. All 24 children are now released, and this issue has been managed collectively. This is not a new challenge; we took similar action last year. While betting among adults continues, we have successfully halted it for minors,” he said. “The law applies to everyone, and if these children are caught again, they will face penalties. We have a robust legal procedure for handling such cases, and currently, these children are under the care of their parents, who must ensure they do not break the law.”
“We advised these children in front of their parents, highlighting the importance of guidance at home, and the police will enforce the law, ensuring that public order is maintained,” Capt. Koji said.
Magwi County Commissioner Lam Francis Gabriel reinforced the need for the initiative, asserting that the approach should extend throughout the state and the nation.
“We have young individuals led astray by peers to abandon their education in favor of criminal behaviors like theft and drug abuse. Our close monitoring has revealed a necessity for a systemic response to safeguard the future of both the county and the state,” he said. “We identified influential youth, some in school and others not, who pressure learners into dangerous activities like drug use, culminating in theft. Discussions with parents have shown that we cannot enforce penalties that hinder education, so we instructed parents to closely monitor their children.”
“We liberated them to continue their education, but we are vigilantly watching those still attending school, and we have noticed some have vanished from Magwi, heading to unknown locations,” Commissioner Lam added.
He encouraged the youth to pursue farming instead of betting.
“I have observed a troubling trend of young people indulging in betting and drinking early, which not only endangers their health but also leads to drug smuggling,” the commissioner said.
Flora Sebit Jada, an activist with the Women Agency for Progress Organization (WAPO), supported the mitigation efforts of the authorities.
“Congratulations to those involved. We are building a nation, not just focusing on individuals. Betting is fostering laziness among our children who resort to stealing from their parents to fund these activities,” he said. “This is a futile use of their time and energy. Our future lies in education and meaningful engagement, rather than in these destructive pastimes. I commend the government for its initiatives and urge other counties, particularly Torit, to adopt similar measures. The prevalence of betting in Torit is alarming; it raises questions about our direction as a society.”
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