Four arrested in Juba over alleged illegal plot sale

JUBA—Authorities in Juba County of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State say they have arrested four individuals in connection with alleged illegal land demarcation and sale of plots of land in Gumbo Boma of Rejaf Payam.

The suspects were detained by security forces following complaints from residents that fraudulent land transactions were taking place in Gumbo, a suburb of Juba city.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over illegal land sales and unauthorised allocations that sparked disputes in several neighbourhoods in and around Juba.

Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, the Commissioner of Juba County, issued a warning against illegal land activities after the arrest of the suspects.

“The county will continue to strictly enforce the law against individuals engaging in actions that cause public disorder, including the illegal selling of land and the erection of unauthorised structures locally known as rukubas,” Emmanuel said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Wednesday.

Emmanuel stated that the arrest of four suspects was prompted by complaints made by community members regarding reports of ongoing illegal activities related to the demarcation and sale of plots in the area.

“The individuals involved in the illegal operation were selling plots at a rate of 2,000,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) in an area that is officially demarcated and not open for such transactions.”

He described the actions as a serious public disorder that has threatened the safety and peace of residents.

“Those involved in the allegedly illegal demarcation and sale of plots carried firearms and used threats to intimidate residents while carrying out the illegal land activities,” he said.

He emphasised that Juba County will not tolerate lawlessness and called on the public to stop engaging in illegal land dealings immediately.

He also urged residents to continue cooperating with authorities by reporting any suspicious or unlawful land-related activities.

Authorities have also warned that anyone found to be involved in the unlawful sale or allocation of plots will be held accountable under South Sudan’s land administration laws.

Land disputes and illegal plot sales have been a recurring challenge in Juba as rapid urban expansion and unclear regulatory oversight create opportunities for unscrupulous actors to exploit demand for land.