SPLA soldiers celebrating May 16 Anniversary in Bor. 27 May 2011. | Photo: ST

The police commissioner of Western Bahr el Ghazal state warned security forces against celebratory gunfire during the celebration of SPLA Day on Tuesday.

Major General Samuel Ajuong Chwar said anyone who will shoot a gun for the purpose of celebration is looking for a problem.

Speaking to Eye Radio at the police headquarters in Wau, Ajuong said any soldier found breaking the order will be arrested.

“Our people in Wau are understanding people. Am urging them to continue with the spirit of not shooting to celebrate,” General Ajuong said.

“We will be patrolling from today up to on the 18 to ensure that any location is secure, we will deploy our forces in all residential areas.”

The police boss also highlighted that there was an increasing entry of soldiers with guns from barracks into Wau town ahead of the day.

“Am also calling on all the special force to give us a chance to deal with criminals that want to cause havoc in the state, don’t be part of the problem, if you are drunk, don’t fire weapon,” he said.

“There is too much movement of motor bikes and, there are so many weapons entering the town at night of which we don’t know, we need these weapons to be returned to their original barracks or we will take action as police forces,” he said.

Celebratory gunfire is commonly reported in major towns in including the capital Juba, as a form of firework during important national holidays.

Local authorities have repeatedly warned against the practice – believed to be terrorizing the public.