By Deng Ghai Deng
A journalist with the Juba-based Eye Radio, Alhadi Awari, was robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday evening while driving home in the station’s office car.
The incident took place around 10 AM on Friday, November 8, when an office vehicle, carrying a journalist and part of a team on a field assignment, was intercepted by a man with a pistol.
The armed assailant stopped the car Awari was in and stole all of his smartphones.
According to the journalist, Alhadi Hawari, the suspect was riding a motorcycle and trailed the team
“I have been robbed while using an office car by an armed man and all my smartphones have been taken, please take note,” Awari posted on his Facebook page, sharing details of the shocking incident.
Majak Kuany Alier, the secretary general of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) condemned the robbery, urging the authorities to strengthen security measures in the capital, Juba, to ensure the safety of both residents and journalists.
“This is a serious issue, and we call on the security forces to act swiftly to protect the public and journalists,” Kuany said.
Police spokesperson John Kasara was not immediately available for comment.
As the holiday season nears, local authorities are urged to take additional measures to prevent crime in the capital, where the safety of both residents and visitors is of increasing concern.