The Cybercrime Specialized Court signpost in Juba. (Photo: Koang Pal Chang/Eye Radio)

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), General Said Chawul Lom, has urged citizens to report cases of online abuse, defamation, and the spread of immoral content through official legal channels, clarifying that law enforcement cannot act without formal complaints from affected individuals.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Thursday in his office, General Chawul explained that the police require victims to first file complaints with the public prosecution office, which then directs investigations and subsequent legal procedures.

Once a formal complaint is lodged, the police chief assured that authorities will thoroughly investigate the cases, arrest suspects, and present them before prosecutors and courts for legal action.

“Of course, if no one comes forward to report it, we can’t take action without a report,” General Chawul stated. “We ask those affected by this to file their reports with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will then investigate. We, as the police, address this behavior and present these individuals to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts.”

The Inspector General also issued a stern warning against the spread of inappropriate and unethical material on social media platforms, declaring that anyone found publishing offensive or explicit content will face immediate prosecution.

“We’ve asked that anyone who posts or publishes immoral content on social media be immediately prosecuted and held accountable,” the IGP added. “This is an opportunity for anyone who feels they have been wronged, or who has, for example, been exposed by indecent images.”

Beyond digital platforms, General Chawul disclosed that police authorities are actively monitoring entertainment venues, such as discos and bars, in close coordination with local government officials, chiefs, commissioners, mayors, and administrative officers to ensure compliance with public regulations.

According to the police chief, venue operators have been strictly instructed to prevent minors under the age of 18 from entering bars or accessing alcohol. He emphasized that these sweeping measures are intended to safeguard public morals and maintain social order within communities.

“In places like discos and dance clubs, we see that the local authorities represented by the mayor, the governor, and administrative officers have confronted them and demanded that this activity be restricted to certain age groups,” General Chawul noted, referencing strict interventions if a minor under 18 attempts to enter a nightclub or order alcohol.

He concluded by encouraging the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies by actively reporting incidents involving online defamation, cyber abuse, or the circulation of explicit images and harmful content on social media.