By Nakwam Rose
Some artists fell victim to the 623 suspected gang members who were arrested in a crackdown on criminal elements in Juba city, Artists’ Union has revealed.
No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper has learnt that celebrities including a rapper and radio presenter, Lord G, a member of South Sudan Artists’ Union, was arrested in the swoop.
Isaac Lumori, aka “Mc Lumoex” confirmed the arrest of some artists, adding that the union is following up on their cases.
“Some artists have been taken up by the security agents unknowingly.” Lumori said.
Though Lumori confirmed the arrest of some members of the Artists’ Union, he however, declined to give statistics of ones still in detention and released.
According to Lumori, South Sudan Artists’ Union is still working on effective measures to enable the release of the artist under detention.
He promised to offer information to the public about the matter at appropriate time.
The security operation on errant elements in the city followed a disturbing footage that circulated online involving a 16-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted. The girl was also manhandled by roughly 8 unknown street goons in the Gumbo-Sherikat suburb.
The footage sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
Activists and officials, including the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, condemned the act and demanded for stronger laws and enforcement to combat gender-based violence.
Some of the arrested gang members included those 4SG Slime, West Coast, ODA, Killers Gangs, Black Devils, and others.