By Matik Kueth
Authorities in Kuong Payam of Leer County, Unity State, on Tuesday arrested two teenage boys for allegedly stealing open shoes from a local market.
Speaking to King Media, Kuony Chan Kulang, Deputy Police Director in Leer County, said the two boys, aged 14 and 15, were apprehended after the rightful owner of the shoes accused them of theft.
He stated that the investigation has concluded, and the case has been handed over to the local court for further legal action.
“The investigation confirmed that the two boys were responsible for stealing the ten pairs of open shoes. Though they are minors, the case will now be judged in court,” Kulang said.
Despite the confirmation of their involvement, the arrests have sparked concern among civil society groups, who argue that the legal action may not align with South Sudanese laws regarding juvenile justice.
Gatkuoth Malual, Project Officer at Coalition for Humanity and Coordinator for Civil Society, emphasized that detaining minors contradicts the South Sudan’s constitution.
“These boys are underage and should not be sent to prison. The best course of action is for the authorities to engage with their families to find a way to compensate the shoe owner,” he emphasized.
He added, “We appeal to the police and the judiciary to show leniency. Even if they committed a crime, the law provides that children below 18 should be treated differently.”
Malual further called on law enforcement to consider restorative justice instead of criminal punishment, encouraging solutions that protect the future of the minors while ensuring justice for the victim.
The case demonstrates the need for child-sensitive judicial procedures in South Sudan.