Rejaf Payam Plot Sales Under Investigation

(REJAF PAYAM, JUBA COUNTY) – Authorities in Juba County have ordered an immediate halt to illegal land activities in Gumbo Boma following the arrest of four suspects accused of unlawful plot demarcation and sale.

The arrests took place on Wednesday evening after the Juba County Commissioner, Hon Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, acted in coordination with the Mayor of Juba City Council. The intervention followed reports from local residents about ongoing illegal demarcation and sale of plots in the area.

According to the county authorities, the suspects were selling plots at 2,000,000 South Sudanese Pounds, which is about 351 US Dollars at the current market rate of 5,700 SSP to one US Dollar. Officials said the area in question is already officially demarcated and not open for such private transactions.

Commissioner Tete said the activities created public disorder and raised concerns about the safety of residents. He added that those involved were allegedly carrying firearms and using threats to intimidate members of the community while carrying out the illegal land sales.

He said Juba County will strictly enforce the law against individuals engaged in illegal land dealings and the construction of unauthorised structures locally known as rukubas.

The commissioner called on residents across Juba County to stop participating in unlawful land transactions and to report suspicious land activities to the authorities. He said cooperation between the public and local government is key to restoring order in the land sector, which remains a sensitive issue in South Sudan’s capital.

The four suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue. County officials said further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation.