By Yang Ater Yang
Authorities in Lakes State have arrested two suspected gang leaders as part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal groups accused of restricting people’s movement and contributing to insecurity in Rumbek, the state capital.
Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Elijah Mabor Makuac said the State Security Committee has introduced new security measures to curb criminal activities within and around Rumbek Town.
He said the police have intensified day-and-night patrols and are targeting all forms of criminal activity, including gang-related crimes.
“We have succeeded in arresting some of the gang members who are engaged in criminal activities within the town,” he said.
According to Makuac, police recently arrested the alleged leader of a gang operating in the Akuac residential area, commonly known as “Park Awut.”
“We managed to arrest him, and he has been in custody for three days while investigations continue. Another suspected criminal from the same group was also arrested,” he said.
He added that the operation has resulted in the arrest of two suspected gang members, who remain in police custody and are expected to be taken to court once investigations are completed.
Makuac said gangs have recently changed their methods, with some members abandoning pangas in favour of razor blades, which he described as more difficult to detect and potentially more dangerous.
“They buy razor blades, such as Super Max, and keep them in their pockets. When they want to attack someone, they quietly remove the blade and use it to inflict injuries,” he said. “Because the razor blade is small, it cannot easily be seen from a distance.”
He said police have recovered evidence from the suspects, which will be presented in court during the trial.
Makuac urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.
“I want to urge everybody to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods so that officers can respond quickly and apprehend criminals,” he said.
Daniel Laat Kon, the Coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) in Rumbek, said gang activity has become a growing concern in residential areas of the town.
He said gangs have been terrorising residents, particularly during the evening hours, through harassment, theft, and looting.
“We call on the government to take strict measures to identify members of these gang groups and bring them before the courts,” he said. “If gang activities continue unchecked, they will create fear within the community.”
Kon noted that some neighborhoods have become unsafe at night, limiting residents’ freedom of movement.
“The Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, and no one should be prevented from exercising that right because of criminal gangs,” he said.
He also called on community members to report suspected criminals, warning that sheltering offenders only worsens the security situation.