Areal view of Torit town, Eastern Equatoria State. | Photo: Courtesy.

Police in Eastern Equatoria State have warned of punitive measures against any member of the organized forces found to be drunk while on duty during the festive season.

The state Police Commissioner Major General James Monday says they have set a security plan to protect public places including places of worship during the celebrations.

General Enoka says the officers on duty are instructed to ensure that the forces deployed adhere to their code of conduct.

“These forces are under responsible officers, who will observe their behaviors. They are taught not to drink when they are on duty and they should reserve whatever enjoyment they would do for their free time, when on official duty,” he said.

The Christian holiday commemorated as the birthday of Christ – is only four days away.

The day is marked with important religious and cultural celebrations in the Christian calendar among millions of people around the world.

However, Christmas and the New Year celebrations in South Sudan, are sometimes mired with unwarranted celebratory gunfire, increased rates of crimes and accidents.

The police official said any person who is seen to have broken the law will be arrested to face justice.

“When they do contravention they called it in Arabic ‘Makalifad’ because when they are given orders and they don’t implement, we called it disobedient, it’s a crime in police action.”

“Each organization has got their custody, and they will be trial before the organization court, not the civil court or the crime court.”