Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Leads Crackdown on Land Grabbing, Arrests 12 Suspects

Juba- In a significant response to the alarming rise of land grabbing in Juba County, Commissioner Hon. Emmanuel Tete announced the arrest of 12 individuals suspected of fraudulent land dealings. This operation comes in light of increasing complaints from local landowners, particularly women, who have reported illegal building permits and deceitful claims of government representation.

During a press briefing, Hon. Tete condemned the ongoing land grabbing activities in the Jebel Timan area, where numerous local residents have fallen victim to schemes orchestrated by individuals falsely posing as government officials. “These individuals are illegally demarcating land and claiming to be representatives of the government, thereby preventing rightful landowners from constructing on their properties in Jebel Timan,” Tete stated.

The commissioner revealed that the suspects had been extorting landowners by demanding exorbitant fees, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, with some outrageous demands reaching as high as five million South Sudanese Pounds. This intimidation has left many landowners unable to defend their rights or proceed with their development plans.

In response to these grievances, Commissioner Tete affirmed the commitment of his office to addressing land disputes and ensuring justice for affected citizens. “We are dedicated to protecting the rights of legitimate landowners against these unscrupulous individuals,” he asserted. “We will collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that all land grabbers are brought to justice.”

The crackdown signals a proactive measure by the local government to restore order and trust in land transactions, an urgent need given the multiple reports of fraudulent practices targeting vulnerable community members. The apprehended suspects are currently in custody, facing charges related to land fraud and extortion.

Commissioner Tete urged landowners to report any suspicious activities to authorities, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding their property rights. As the investigation continues, the county administration promises to implement stricter measures to combat land grabbing and protect the integrity of land ownership in Juba County.