Juveniles behind bars: Leer teenagers jailed for three months over theft
By Correspondent
Three teenagers arrested in Leer County of Unity State for stealing public property were transferred to the prison service. This followed investigations and intense judicial proceedings that found the suspects guilty of the offence. They were sentenced to three months in prison.
Speaking to the media following the move, Gatjang Gatnor, the Police investigator in the state said the boys were between the ages of 15 and 17. They were handed over to the town chief’s council before they were later transferred to the prison service last week on Tuesday.
“Some of these teenagers reportedly sleep near the fences of institutions such as the forestry department, waiting for opportunities to steal property,” Gatjang Gatnor told Radio Tamazuj, affirming that the police are pursuing the remaining suspects who, he said, would be held accountable.
“The police are continuing to search for the remaining suspects to arrest them and bring them to justice,” Gatnor stated.
Police have urged continued cooperation in efforts to protect community property and bring those suspected of involvement in theft before the justice system.
The latest arrest of juveniles comes amid rallying calls to teenagers to stay away from criminal activities and embark on constructive economic activities.
Multiple risky and criminal incidents have been recorded from youthful gangs in various regions of the country, with authorities calling for reforms and constant modeling of the youth into responsible and promising generation.
In Juba County, police recently nabbed more than 600 youth in an operation aimed at eradicating street robberies and residential crime within the city.
While some of the youths were released, authorities were forced to launch the operation following a surge in street robberies, alcohol abuse, nighttime fake checkpoints by groups impersonating security personnel, and a severe gang-rape incident involving a 16-year-old girl in the Sherikat area.