Unity State Police: Stephen Salam Maluit Arrested at Rubkona Airstrip

• Stephen Salam Maluit, the current Rubkona County commissioner, was detained after allegedly firing a weapon at the Rubkona airstrip last Thursday.
• The incident occurred during the arrival of gubernatorial candidate Michael Chanjiek Geay, after Maluit and over 20 armed individuals were denied entry by security forces.
• Major General Samuel Tet of the Unity State police confirmed no injuries or property damage resulted from the confrontation.
• Police advised Maluit to leave with his group and await the candidate at his residence, but he refused and allegedly opened fire.
• Unity State police urged political candidates and their supporters to reject violence and promote peaceful participation in the upcoming elections.

The arrest of Stephen Salam Maluit, the Rubkona commissioner, for an alleged firearm incident at the Rubkona airstrip, serves as a stark reminder of the strict enforcement of public order laws in Unity State.

Stephen Salam Maluit, the current commissioner for Rubkona County, has been taken into custody following an alleged shooting incident at the Rubkona County airstrip. The event unfolded last Thursday morning during the arrival of gubernatorial candidate Michael Chanjiek Geay. Authorities in Unity State confirmed the detention of Maluit, who is accused of discharging a firearm during the commotion.

According to Major General Samuel Tet, the police commissioner for Unity State, Maluit arrived at the airstrip accompanied by more than two dozen armed individuals. Security personnel present at the location denied entry to Maluit and his group. Despite instructions from security forces to retreat, Maluit reportedly opened fire, escalating the situation into a confrontation that involved an exchange of gunfire between his armed contingent and the security forces.

Police officers and security personnel at the airstrip had advised Maluit to depart with his soldiers and await the candidate, Michael Chanjiek Geay, at his residence. However, this advice was not heeded, leading directly to the alleged discharge of the firearm and the subsequent altercation. Geay, the national Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, was visiting Unity State as part of his campaign efforts to secure the governorship of the oil-rich region.

Major General Samuel Tet, representing the Unity State police, reported that the incident concluded without any recorded injuries or damage to property. He confirmed that the situation at the Rubkona County airstrip and surrounding areas quickly stabilized, with local residents resuming their regular activities shortly thereafter. This swift return to normalcy underscores the effectiveness of the security response in containing the confrontation.

Commissioner Tet used the opportunity to issue a strong appeal to all political aspirants and their supporters across the state. He urged them to refrain from any acts of violence as South Sudan prepares for upcoming elections. Emphasizing the critical importance of peaceful political engagement, Tet highlighted the need for stability within Unity State during this electoral period.

The police commissioner articulated a clear vision for the region, stating that the primary objective is a peaceful government for Unity State. He underscored the collective desire for peace and for the populace to coexist in harmony, directly addressing concerns about potential South Sudan election violence. This official stance reinforces the commitment to public order in Rubkona County and the wider state.

The arrest of Stephen Salam Maluit, the Rubkona commissioner, for an alleged firearm incident at the Rubkona airstrip, serves as a stark reminder of the strict enforcement of public order laws in Unity State. The presence of an armed group accompanying a political figure, and the subsequent refusal to comply with security directives, highlights the challenges authorities face in maintaining peace during heightened political activity. This event underscores the potential for public disorder when individuals disregard established security protocols.

The confrontation, involving the alleged discharge of a firearm by the Rubkona commissioner, brings into focus the critical need for adherence to regulations concerning firearms, especially in public spaces and during political gatherings. While no injuries were reported, the incident itself represents a serious breach of public safety and a direct challenge to the authority of security forces tasked with ensuring the safety of citizens and visiting dignitaries, such as Michael Chanjiek Geay.

This incident, occurring amidst a gubernatorial campaign, sends a clear message regarding the expectations for conduct from political actors and their entourages. The Unity State police, through Commissioner Samuel Tet, have unequivocally stated their commitment to preventing South Sudan election violence and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The swift action taken against Maluit demonstrates that such conduct, particularly involving firearms and defiance of security personnel, will not be tolerated, reinforcing the importance of maintaining public order in Rubkona County and beyond.

Lawyers advising political candidates or involved in election monitoring in South Sudan should note the strict enforcement of public order laws and firearm regulations, as demonstrated by the arrest of a former commissioner for an airstrip incident, highlighting potential legal risks for violent conduct during campaigns.

Source: Original reporting via local Unity State authorities