Police Authorities in Torit has warned Boda-boda riders in town against grabbing people’s property while riding their motorcycles.
The statement came after two suspects were arrested for allegedly grabbing property of pedestrians in Torit, a practice that is said to be common in Juba, Radio Emmanuel reported.
Police Spokesperson of the Defunct Torit State Major Justin Cleophas Takuru said they have confirmed one incident of boda-boda riders grabbing property in Torit, terming it as ‘Toronto activity in Juba’.
He explained that two boda-boda boys on one motorcycle have been arrested after they attempted to grab a bag of a pedestrian who was walking along the street on Wednesday night.
The Police spokesperson warned that any person found grabbing someone’s property will face the law.
He added that the outcome of the practice will be severe and will lead to life imprisonment.
The Police Spokesperson also advised the boda-boda riders to learn how to ask whenever they need assistance instead of taking people’s property by force.
Major Cleophas told the riders and youth in general to keep away from practicing Toronto activities so that they do not become victims of the law.
The Spokesperson of Police stated that property grabbing by the boda-boda riders is a common issue in Juba with perpetrators known as Toronto boys, but said it is the first of its kind recorded in Torit.
He said the arrested culprits in Torit are between 21 and 23 years old and are now in police custody awaiting trials.
Earlier in 2019, President Salva Kiir Mayardit ordered organized forces in Juba and South Sudan in general to shoot to kill any person seen grabbing a bag or any property.