Three Jonglei workers’ union officials who were arrested a week ago have escaped from police custody, police said.

The three leaders of the Jonglei Workers were arrested in Bor town while leading protests demanding payment of five-month salary arrears.

David Mayen Deng, the union’s chairperson, Samuel Majier Loch, the union’s secretary-general, and Union of Teachers’ Ruben Matiop Mayol were arrested by the police on August 12.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Saturday, State Police Spokesman Major Majak Daniel Tuor said: “What happened was that on the due process, the three workers’ union officials run away from the police station and the police and even the entire government is now searching for them.”

When asked who would be accountable for the missing officials’ safety after disappearing while in police custody, Majak said: “Only that they run away, but about their safety, we can assure the families that these people are not harmed, and no one killed them only that they fear rearrests.”

On their part, family members of the missing workers union officials said they could not establish the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Ayuen Loch, a bother of Samuel Majier, said: “We are searching, and we are not finding him. So, this is the situation we are in; it is a difficult situation because it is almost now going to two weeks without meeting him, and all their telephones are off,” Ayuen said. “As a family, we are anxious and shocked because we don’t have information about him. We heard that the governor had ordered their evacuation to Juba.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Dhieu, the union’s spokesperson, said they are worried about the safety of their colleagues.

“These people are not around. On August 15, we visited them after spending four days in detention without charges, but we were told they were relocated to Juba,” he said. “We are disappointed and worried. The safety of our colleagues is paramount. We are curious to ascertain their whereabouts.”

State Governor Denay Jock Chagor could not immediately be reached for comment.