Police Spokesperson Daniel Justin addresses the media. (SSNPS/Facebook).

The National Police Spokesperson confirmed Friday that some suspected criminal gangs arrested in the ongoing police crackdown are being kept at Rajaf Training Center in what he said is a bid to decongest detention centers.

Addressing a press conference in Juba, Major General Daniel Justin denied reports that the police is forcefully recruiting young people into the organized forces.

He clarified that the Rajaf Training Center is being used primarily for investigative purposes.

“This (recruitment allegation) is not true. It is because the number (of gangs) is very big, and our cells are very small, and at the end, we are targeting to reform these people because they are our children, and they are for this country,” Justin said.

Gen. Justin stated that individuals found not guilty during the investigations would be released.

“So, we have a center of Police in Rajaf which is empty, which is a very good place for them to stay and we have the services, we are feeding them until the investigation goes through.”

“Because if we distribute them into cells of police stations, it will cost us a lot. That is why we put them in one place and give them the services.”

According to the security official, the training center, which usually serve as educational institutions for aspiring police officers, is being repurposed to accommodate the overflow of detainees until more permanent solutions can be put in place.

General Justin said he assures the public that this measure is only aimed at addressing the immediate congestion issue.

“On the process of screening them, we will put the criminals on side. They shall go to the court, and those who are not criminal we send them home to their house,” he said.

“After the investigation, we have people from Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare for counseling all those involved event those of prisons they are members of this committee.

“When we screened them, we will know those who are criminals, and if they are underage, then they will go to reformatory facilities. The court will be the one to send them to the reformatory not us the [Police].”

According to police, since the beginning of the crackdown, a total of 400 individuals have been arrested.

Major General Daniel stated that the ongoing investigative process requires the need for thorough understanding before any legal action is taken.

He urges the general public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing any relevant information related to gang activities.