By Alan Clement
South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has arrested 46 suspected gang members, that include six women, during a renewed crackdown on gang-related criminal hideouts in Gumbo-Sherikat areas.
The latest operation which is part of the ongoing anti-gang campaign in the capital, was carried out between 6:00 PM on July 17th through 4:00 AM on July 18th.
The operation was confirmed by Police Spokesperson Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka during an exclusive interview with this outlet.
Gen. Enoka described the raid as “very successful,” noting that it followed weeks of intelligence gathering and strong collaboration with local residents.
“I appreciate community members who played a key role in helping the police identify hotspots where suspected criminal activities were taking place,” he said.
The police spokesperson confirmed the seizure of four motorcycles believed to have been used in undertaking criminal acts.
Additionally, several household items including mattresses, travel bags, and boxes believed to have been stolen were recovered from the suspects’ hideouts.
“The police also confiscated a pistol, traditional weapons such as bows and arrows, and a set of keys believed to have been used in breaking into shops and residential homes,” Gen. Enoka stated.
According to Gen. Enoka, the suspects who are currently under investigation will be arraigned in court as soon as inquiries are completed.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to reducing crime in the capital, stating that security forces would not relent in their pursuit of gangs.
In recent weeks, police efforts have vividly increased in response to mounting public concern over rising urban crime, including the rape of a teenage girl last month by suspected gang members that triggered public outrage.
This latest arrest comes as intensified security operations in Juba continue into the third week already resulting in more than 600 arrests of suspected gang members, according to earlier reports.
Gen. Enoka acknowledged that the crackdown has contributed to a noticeable reduction in crime across Juba and emphasized that the operations will continue in other parts of the city in the coming days. “The safety of our people is our priority,” he said, adding that restoring peace in the capital requires ongoing joint efforts between security forces and the community.