By Jenifer James
The South Sudan National Police Services said over 600 prisoners broke out of a military detention facility in Giada in Juba, at around 9:30 AM this morning (Wednesday). The escapees, who were initially detained for their involvement in robberies during violent protests in the city, included 550 civilians and 50 members of the organized forces.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday, the Police spokesperson, Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial, said the prisoners had been incarcerated following widespread unrest triggered by the massacre of South Sudanese civilians by Sudanese Army forces in Wad Al Madeni, Gezira State.
‘’Some prisoners who robbed shops during the violent protest in Juba as a result of the massacre of South Sudanese by the Sudan Army Forces in Wad Al Madeni city of Gezira State broke out from the Military detention facility in Giada this morning at 9:30 am and their number were 600 where 550 are civilians and 50 are members of Organized forces,’’ he said.
According to John, the police managed to apprehend 410 individuals out of 600 who escaped the military detention facility.
‘’The military police shot fire on air while pursuing them toward Lologo market and during the course of pursuing them, the military police managed to re-arrest 410 from the escapists, and they are still pursuing the remaining 190 prisoners.’’
The authorities have increased security in the area and are conducting a thorough search for the remaining fugitives. The escape has raised concerns about security in the capital, and the authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.