18 policemen have abandoned work and escaped from Rumbek, Lakes State police commissioner has said.

General Kostia Kadid says the policemen were part of a force brought from Greater Bahr el Ghazal and deployed in the state to maintain security and disarm civilians.

He told Eye Radio that there was no clear reason for their escape.

“Some of them went with their guns and the other with empty hands,” Gen Kadid said.

General Kostia said policemen who abandon their duties without permission are punished.