Growing fears of armed robbery in Juba prompt police to seek help from residents

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

South Sudan police called on residents of the capital Juba To immediately report any robbery incidents or criminal activities, amid growing fears of the increasing activity of armed groups using motorcycles to carry out robberies and interceptions of citizens and vehicles in a number of the city’s neighborhoods.

Citizen cooperation is a key element

Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Saeed Shaul Lam, stressed that citizen cooperation is a key element in crime-fighting efforts, noting that security agencies rely on official reports from victims and witnesses to initiate investigations and track down those involved.

He explained that the rapid reporting of crimes or suspicious movements contributes to enhancing the police's ability to intervene immediately and reduce the spread of this phenomenon, calling on citizens not to hesitate to contact security authorities when any incident occurs.

A state of anxiety in Juba

The call comes at a time when Juba is experiencing growing concern due to the recurring incidents of robbery carried out by groups riding motorcycles, amid accusations of targeting cars and pedestrians in some areas, prompting authorities to intensify their security measures to curb these crimes.

As part of efforts to enhance police services, the police announced a plan to expand reporting points throughout the capital, enabling citizens to submit complaints and record statements near their places of residence, without having to go to the main police stations.

Authorizing the new police stations to receive reports

The Inspector General explained that the new police stations will be authorized to receive reports, record statements, and open initial files, in addition to detaining suspects when necessary before referring them to the competent police stations, in a step aimed at speeding up procedures and improving the speed of security response.

The police confirmed that the measures are part of a broader plan to combat organized crime and enhance security in the capital, stressing that cooperation between citizens and security agencies and early reporting of crimes are among the most important tools for reducing robberies and restoring stability in Juba.