Maper Payam Executive Director hospitalised after assault by police officers

AWEIL – The Executive Director of Maper Payam in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr El Ghazal has accused two police officers of assaulting him at a local police station following a dispute over a search operation at his home.

Barnaba Akol Jok, an official under the Ministry of Local Government, told this publication that the incident began over the weekend when two police superintendents reportedly went to his residence looking for a suspect linked to an arrest warrant.

According to Jok, the officers failed to find the suspect and, after not identifying anyone outside the compound, allegedly forced their way into his house, breaking doors during the search.

Disturbed by the incident, Jok said he later went to Maper Akot Aru Police Station to seek clarification about why his home had been broken into.

“As I was about to report my issue of a house being broken into and the doors damaged, I began explaining to the officer in charge of custody who was listening attentively,” Jok recounted. “Suddenly, the two officers kicked me while I was seated. One of them hit me seriously when I fell to the ground.”

He further alleged that the officers handcuffed and beat him as bystanders pleaded for them to stop.

“They kept attacking me while I was down. People were shouting for help. Someone called out that I was dying. That is when they stopped,” he said.

Jok said he lost consciousness and was later rushed to hospital by his family.

He added that he had informed the officers he was a serving executive official and advised them to follow legal procedures through the ministry if they had any accusations against him.

In response, the state police spokesperson, Madut Ngong Aleu, confirmed the incident and acknowledged that Jok sustained serious injuries.

“Yes, the two officers from Maper Police Station are being interrogated. They have been apprehended by CID units and will be held responsible for their actions,” Ngong said.

The case has raised concerns among residents about police conduct and accountability, with some questioning public safety if even senior government officials can allegedly face such treatment at the hands of law enforcement.