Most crimes committed in Juba are due to the current economic crisis, a Central Equatoria State official has said.

The State Minister of Information, Suba Samuel, says criminals have organized themselves into gangs.

He told Eye Radio that investigations have been launched against suspected criminals.

“The major issues are the attacks in the towns and these thugs have mixed up between citizens and foreigners who are operating,” Mr Samuel claimed.

“But the state government through the state security agency is trying to find out. But clearly, some of these individuals are motivated by the recent economic crisis.”

One person was shot dead last night in Jebel suburb. Residents say he was among a group of armed men trying to break into a house.