Gate of Wau Central Prison where Akwac is being held for refusing to accept an arranged marriage. (Photo: Courtesy).

Twenty suspected gang members have been jailed for three months after being arrested during a police crackdown on gang-related activities in Wau, while six others have been arrested in connection with the death of a 19-year-old man.

Western Bahr el Ghazal State police spokesperson Colonel Santino Udhol says the 20 suspects, aged between 16 and 22, were arrested on August 2 by Police Emergency Operation 112.

He says the suspects were subsequently taken to court, which imposed three-month prison sentences and fines.

“As part of an operation to combat gang-related criminal activities in Wau Town, Police Emergency Operation 112 arrested 20 suspected gang members. The suspects are reportedly between 16 and 22 years of age.”

Meanwhile, six people have been arrested over the death of 19-year-old Arcangelo Gabriel during a confrontation between two suspected gangs on August 7.

Udhol says the incident occurred during a party in the High Coast area involving groups known as OTP and Bad Boys.

The main suspect and five others remain in police custody, with a case registered under Section 206 of the 2008 Penal Code.

Police say investigations into the death are continuing.