By Manyang Mayom
RUMBEK, 06 March 2010 (Gurtong) - In the state provisional order number 1/10 dated March 4, 2010, Deng has ordered with immediate effect, the closing down of all illegal courts that were operating in Lakes state during ex-governor Daniel Awet Akot’s reign.
“Only courts established by the Southern Sudan judiciary will be allowed to operate in Yirol, Cueibet and Rumbek Central. All courts which were set up across Lakes State without warrant of establishment from the judiciary of Southern Sudan must to be closed”, read part of the letter signed by Telar that was obtained by Gurtong Sunday evening.
As a result of the new move, nine courts comprising of all payam courts that are pending reorganisation have been closed.
Other courts including those of the trade union, cattle thieves, the fisheries court, the market and porters court, Shiekh-El-Hila court, the town regional court, the border court and Gelweng have also been closed down.
The community of Lakes State has in the past criticised the judiciary of Southern Sudan for having failed to reduce crimes across the state.
However, it has been a ‘buck passing’ blame game between the state government and the Government of Southern Sudan.
Acting president of the high court of appeal in Rumbek John Clement Kuc told Gurtong in an interview last month that theft, murder and domestic disagreements were the leading cases in the state.
He added that local chiefs operated without judicial powers and imposed exorbitant fines on the civilian population.