A clache of weapons collected during security search in Juba - Photo credit: Madrama James

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The SSPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Force for Operations, on Tuesday, released a detailed breakdown of the over 200 firearms and 64 pistols seized during the recent gun search operation in Juba.

Lieutenant General Kong Thou briefed the media on Tuesday, October 28, on the operation’s findings, stating that most of the weapons were recovered from civilian homes recorded under “no-names,” as no one was willing to take responsibility for the arms.

Gen Kong pointed out that at least 68 guns seized were recovered from houses occupied by women who were unable to identify the arms’ owners.

He stated that the women could not disclose how these guns ended up in their residences “for reasons known to them.”

Lt. Gen. Kong stated that 49 firearms were seized from individuals serving with the SSPDF, 40 firearms were seized from those serving with the National Security Service (NSS), and 35 firearms were seized from those serving in the Police Forces.

“Guns seized from SSPDF personnel are 49; National Security had 40; police had 35. Individuals identified as numberless had 16 guns,” Gen. Kong stated.

“Those individuals identified as no-name or unclaimed guns collected from civilian residential areas were 68 guns, and 22 guns were recovered from individuals documented as unconfirmed units,” he said.

“These are armed personnel who have abandoned their duty stations or whose posts remain unclear,” Gen Kong said.

The operation also targeted the Red Belt vigilante group.

General Kong confirmed the seizure of two PKM machine guns and other military items from the group, including an impounded van ferrying weapons to Bor in Jonglei State.

“Red Belt has 2 PKM and assorted military equipment, including a van ferrying weapons to Bor in Jonglei State,” Gen Kong stated.

“In total, we have collected 230 guns, along with an additional 64 pistols from our officers and others from undocumented individuals. These are the weapons we have collected,” he concluded.