1st Lieutenant General Majak Akech, the Inspector General of Police - Credit: Eye Radio/Lou Nelson - Dec. 22, 2022

The Inspector General of Police on Wednesday warned motorists against traffic violations and to obey traffic police officers on duty.

General Majak Akech made the remarks after videos posted on social media show several incidents of traffic police officers fighting motorists. In some videos, traffic officers are seen being beaten up.

IGP Akech said in a press conference in Juba that the traffic police has registered more than 9 traffic violations by motorists against traffic officers.

He said the traffic police are often mistreated by some citizens and officials when they try to discharge their duties.

“When there are traffic violations, when there’s also illegal acts, our traffic police personnel have been picked from the middle of the roads and these are not allowed,” he said.

Akech called on motorists to obey traffic regulations by getting the necessary documents for their vehicles and showing their number plates.

“We are facing a lot of issues from our officials and citizens, and those who are not respecting the laws. After all these nine violations, today on behalf of the police, I want to say everybody has to commit and drive in the road when the number plate of the car is shown.” 

Previously, the Director General of Traffic admitted wrongdoing by some of his workforce.

General John Akot said in 2020 that the traffic police department detained 85 police officers and expelled others over abuses against motorists in Juba.

They were arrested after the Police launched an illegal crackdown on vehicles with tinted windows in Juba.

General Akot says some unprofessional officers were back on the streets now collecting and extorting money from motorists.