By Bosco Bush
South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has announced plans to strengthen security in Juba during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Approximately 3,000 police personnel are to deployed is to combat criminal activities and ensure a safe environment for the community.
In a statement released yesterday, Police Spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang outlined the security strategy, which will begin on December 23.
The plan includes the deployment of at least 2,780 police officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs).
These personnel will be stationed at key locations, including Juba International Airport, churches, markets, major routes and bridges, government institutions, NGOs, embassies, and other significant gathering places.
This effort is intended to support a peaceful celebration of the festive season.
Koang said that officers undertaking security measures will be tasked with several duties including checking vehicles along roads as well as checking of individuals at entrances of celebration places – with respect to human rights and dignity during the process.
“Police will undertake searching measures to the celebrants at designated entrances of the celebration places, churches and others,” he said, adding, “females shall be searched by female police.”
“Security personnel undertaking searching should respect human dignity and human rights during searching procedures,” stated Col. Koang.
These strategies aim to ensure the safety of individuals as well as the protection of their lives and properties from criminals. It also aims to render any humanitarian assistance required during the festivities.
Apart from the countryside, criminal incidences of killing, robbery, rape and accidents are very high, especially in Juba, which has seen regular outbreaks of violence and lawlessness.
Crimes usually rise in the run-up to Christmas, New Year and Easter seasons leaves scores of innocent people victims if precautionary measures and not taken.