South Sudanese living in Egypt say they are being targeted by their fellow nationals who are engaging in criminal activities there.

Attacks by the suspected criminals against South Sudanese living in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, have increased recently.

Dengdit Ayok, a South Sudanese journalist living in Egypt says he has been severely beaten by the suspected South Sudanese criminals.

He told Eye Radio that the suspects are targeting people they believe have money, and urged the government to look into the matter.

“If there is any criminal in Cairo and is committing crimes against South Sudanese in Egypt, he should be arrested and deported immediately and be punished according to the laws existing in the country,” he appealed.

The South Sudan Ambassador to Egypt says the increase in the criminal activities among the South Sudanese living in Egypt is due to social problems.

Anthony Kon says some homeless children are engaging in crimes.

“Many families there have been disintegrated. You find there are divorces between the people. You find there are some families that don’t care about their children,” he told Eye Radio.

He said homelessness is common among those aged 15 to 35.

Amb Kon says a report has been given to the concerned ministries and the parliament to decide a way forward.