Authorities in South Sudan’s Unity State arrested a police officer Wednesday for allegedly opening a detention gate, allowing suspects charged with murder and rape to escape in Leer County.
Capt. John Malieth, the Unity State police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to Radio Tamazuj on Friday. The officer is accused of aiding the escape of five detainees, two of whom have since been recaptured, he said.
Among those who fled were suspects convicted by a mobile court last week, including one man sentenced to three years in prison for raping a 16-year-old girl. Three others remain at large, Malieth said.
“The investigation into the officer’s actions is ongoing, and he will face a mobile court next week,” Malieth said.
“This conduct violates South Sudanese police regulations. I do not understand why an officer would assist criminals accused of killing people and raping young girls—it is unlawful,” he added.
Dr. Riek Koang, coordinator of the Street Children Care Initiative and a civil society representative in Unity State, supported the arrest.
“When a law enforcement officer enables criminals to escape, it is right that they face legal consequences,” Koang said. “While there are many reports about the detention breach, we await the official findings from the police CID department.”
Koang added, “As civil society, we condemn such actions by those entrusted with upholding the law.”