Eleven police officers accused of allowing inmates to escape in Torit have been dismissed from the police service.

Eastern Equatoria state government also sentenced the non-commissioned officers to two years in prison each.

19 people accused of killing in Loronyo escaped from prison last week reportedly under the watch of the officers on duty.

The state governor Louis Lobong Lojore said the act of allowing convicts to evade justice will not be tolerated in the state.

“We don’t know if they were bribed or maybe because they are from Loronyo or from Torit, I don’t know. I instructed the officer in charge of police that all the police officers who worked that day must be imprisoned and investigated, and the people who worked that day are in the prison. 11 police officers were imprisoned for two years and were dismissed from the police service,” Lojore said.

Governor Lobong called on the people to remain calm as the authorities search for those who escaped.

He cautioned them against carrying out any revenge killings along state highways.

“This road is for the government, not for the people of Loronyo or for the Lopit. Anyone who uses this road is under the safety of the government, and anyone who disturbs people in this road is disturbing the government,” he added.

Louis Lobong also warned police officers from neglecting their duties.