South Sudan police officers | File photo

Sixteen gang members were arrested during a security crackdown on organized crime in Juba on Wednesday.

The Mayor of Juba City Council, Christopher Serafino Wani, told Eye Radio that the gangs were armed with machetes and sticks.

He said a visually impaired boy and underage girl were later freed on the grounds that they were vulnerable.

“Their aim is actually to go on the street to rob people, harm people and recruit other young boys to join them in the group so that the group becomes bigger,” he said.

“The remaining fourteen remaining suspects will be arraigned in court.”

Mayor Serafino said that security forces in Juba will ensure that organized crime become rampant in Juba.

Last week, fighting erupted among member of the gangs near Mia Saba in Juba.