Central Equatoria State (CES) security forces have arrested 623 individuals suspected of affiliation with notorious street gangs in Juba as part of a sweeping anti-crime operation across the capital .
The suspects are allegedly linked to high-profile gangs such as 4SG Slime, West Coast, ODA, Killers Gang, Black Devils, among others.
While detailed profiles of the detainees remain pending, officials emphasize the operation is in direct response to a recent surge in heinous criminal activity including a particularly disturbing gang rape in the Shirikat area of Juba, which sparked national outrage and hastened the crackdown.
In the wake of the arrests, CES Governor Rabi Emmanuel Mujung has renewed calls for reformatory schools aimed at providing vocational training and rehabilitation for youth implicated in gang activities.
This includes proposals for a holistic strategy pairing enforcement with social and mental health support a key element raised during recent security briefings.
What’s next?
The detained suspects are awaiting formal legal processing; some may be released if unconnected to gang crime, while others could face prosecution under South Sudan’s Penal Code.
Calls are mounting from local leaders, civil society groups, and women’s organizations for stronger preventive mechanisms such as community policing and youth rehabilitation programs.
Analysis & Context
This crackdown is one in a series of recent actions against gang activity in the region: in May, over 100 suspected gang members were arrested in Nimule; in January 2024, 25 individuals were detained in Lologo on weapons charges.
Yet despite such interventions, analyses suggest that without systemic reform, gang networks tend to persist even rebranding under different names after arrests.
Governor Mujung’s push for reformatory schools aligns with broader expert calls to tackle youth unemployment and reintegrate offenders into society instead of relying solely on detention.
On the Ground
Security first: With over 600 arrests, patrols and surveillance in Juba are noticeably tighter.
Policy pivot: The proposal for reformatory schools marks a shift from simple punitive measures to preventive, rehabilitative strategies.
Watch this space: The coming weeks will show whether detainees face charges, are released, or redirected into new reform programs.
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