The police officers are beefing up security to protect travellers and residents from criminals as the citizens prepare for the Christmas festive.

The government has so far deployed more forces within the residential areas and they will ensure all roads leading out of Juba are safe for travellers.

Speaking to The City Review, South Sudan National Police Services Spokesperson, Maj. Gen Daniel Justin said the security situation in Juba is calm due to the deployment of police forces in different locations.

He said the organised forces are well-equipped to make sure that there is security within residential areas and along the roads.

“Our assessment is based on the report we are collecting from different police stations located in Juba and states. Currently, the criminals’ activities have reduced but when people are going for Christmas we need to be very alert,” Maj Gen. Justin said.

Public places

“We are looking at the marketplaces and residential areas because we have planted cameras around the residential areas where we are having the patrol,” he added.

He said police accessibility for civilians is very easy because there are enough officers and emergency call centres in Juba and Wau.

“We have enough vehicles and if we receive a call, the police will reach the place immediately within five to six minutes in Juba here; the same in Wau,” he said.

Maj Gen Justin said there are also community police who are working closely with the local leaders to make sure that criminal cases are handled and reported to the nearest police stations.

He said cases of random shooting and criminal activity have been reduced because of the improved cooperation between the police and the residents.

“We are appealing to the civilians to cooperate with our forces by reporting any criminal activities taking place in their respective areas so that the police can intervene,” he said. 

In October 2021, the national police service announced that they had established community policing to fight crimes in different states nationwide.

Maj. Gen Justin said community policing was the best means to crack down on criminals and provide security to the citizens.

He said they have heavily deployed forces in areas with security lapses to maintain calm in several villages and towns in the state.