Boda Boda Association Distances Itself from Phone Snatching in Yei

(Yei) – Authorities in Yei River County have issued a strong warning to local motorcycle taxi riders, known as boda-bodas, following growing concerns about criminal activity involving phone theft in the town.

The Boda-Boda Riders Association in Yei made the statement after receiving complaints from residents about a rise in phone snatching incidents, allegedly involving individuals posing as commercial riders.

The association cautioned that any rider caught participating in such crimes will face legal action without protection from the association.

Moses Karaba, the association’s deputy chairperson, urged all registered riders to maintain discipline and avoid being linked to criminal groups known locally as “Toronto boys.”

“If anyone has been involved in stealing phones or valuables in places like Juba, Uganda, or Congo, they should not bring that behavior here to Yei,” said Karaba.

“If you’re caught, especially while carrying a criminal, you will stand alone in court. We, as boda-boda riders, are here to serve the public and not to get involved in phone snatching or other crimes.”

The concern follows an incident over the weekend in which Col. Michael Machar, the Director of Civil-Military Relations in Yei River County, reported losing his smartphone to two unknown riders. The theft occurred in the Lomuku residential area.

Col. Machar confirmed that the matter had been reported to local police for investigation. He also echoed the association’s concerns, saying that a few individuals pretending to be boda-boda riders were responsible for the rising insecurity.

“There are people who have come from places like Juba and are now here pretending to be riders. They are the ones involved in snatching phones. We’re not blaming all boda-boda riders, but the public should stay alert,” Machar said.

Last week, the Yei Youth Association also raised alarm over youth engagement in activities that could increase crime levels. Chairperson Frank Gaga Osman warned young people against gambling, which he said could push them into theft and other unlawful behavior.

Osman encouraged youth to focus on agriculture and other productive jobs as a more sustainable way to earn a living. “Our young people should work with their hands and use their time wisely to improve their lives and the community,” he said.

While boda-bodas remain an essential part of everyday transportation in towns like Yei, authorities and community leaders are urging strong cooperation between the public, law enforcement, and riders to prevent criminal elements from misusing the system.

The warning comes at a time when South Sudan continues to address local insecurity and unemployment challenges, which have made some youth vulnerable to criminal activity.