Lakes State Police Chief Exempts Elderly Officers from Daily Duties

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

Lakes State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Chol Atem Jongeth has announced that police officers aged 70 and above will no longer participate in daily operations.

Speaking at a general parade of senior officers yesterday, he stated that these veterans will remain on the payroll but will be allowed to rest at home, as South Sudan lacks a pension system for its longest-serving public servants.

“They are not retired or replaced from the national police service since the country lacks a pension for the longest-serving citizens in various institutions of the government.”

He noted that globally, police are among the most approachable when it comes to law enforcement, ensuring proper custody of suspected individuals.

He emphasised that the government of Lakes State has already prioritised peace, unity, and agricultural production, which the police should help implement to protect the lives and property of citizens.

“Security is a collective responsibility of the government, which must oversee areas of concern involving conflict. This requires the deployment of well-trained armed security forces to ensure the protection and enforcement of law and order,” Jongeth said.

Meanwhile, Jongeth warned that police officers assigned to operational areas where alcohol is completely banned must not favour any individual or loot property from citizens during these operations.

He stressed that consuming alcohol while on duty demonstrates a lack of training and breaches the ethics of professionalism and the code of conduct for police. Such behaviour is considered a crime, and the police administration stands firmly against it.

He also highlighted that the people of Lakes State are situated in fertile land capable of producing high-quality organic foods that support healthy living, including proteins and vitamins . This potential positions Lakes State to supply other regions with various food products through business initiatives that could boost and improve economic prosperity across the country.