Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed across South Sudan’s Unity State to combat crime and ensure community safety during Christmas celebrations, authorities said Wednesday.
Police spokesperson John Malieth told Radio Tamazuj that the security operation is already underway. He said crimes often rise during the Christmas, New Year and Easter seasons.
“We are waiting and ready for Christmas,” Malieth said. “Crimes usually rise in the run-up to Christmas, New Year and Easter seasons, leaving scores of innocent people as victims if precautionary measures are not taken.”
Personnel will be stationed at key locations including Bentiu town, Rubkona market, the Bentiu displacement camp and other markets, he said. Officers will check vehicles and individuals at entrances to celebration venues, with female officers searching female celebrants.
“Security personnel undertaking searches should respect human dignity and human rights during the procedures,” Malieth stated.
Unity State has experienced regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness in the past, with high rates of killing, robbery, rape and accidents.
George Duop Bentiu, a resident of Leer County, welcomed the deployment, saying criminal gangs often target people during celebrations.
“We welcome the heavy deployment of police personnel to protect us from gang groups,” he said.
However, resident Nyapal Kuong said many in the community are not prepared to celebrate due to economic hardship.
“What I have seen is that the community is not willing to celebrate Christmas because people have nothing as government servants,” Kuong said. “We have not yet received our monthly salary.”
“Good security with no money to celebrate Christmas is very unfortunate,” she added.