The new recruits perform drills during the graduation ceremony [©Gurtong/James Deng]
By James Deng Dimo
WAU, 9th May 2012 [Gurtong]
The recruits had different academic qualifications including degrees holders and have now acquired the ability to serve the correctional department accordingly.
The officers also included a good number of anti-riot personnel trained to control any riot attempts by inmates.
The colourful ceremony was graced by the officer’s parents, representatives from the UN and other distinguished guests from the state and was witnessed by the state governor Hon. Rizik Zackaria Hassan along with his caretaker state cabinet.
While addressing the ceremony, governor Zackaria described the event as historical in the state since South Sudan independence in 9th July 2011.
Hassan urged the officers to respect the inmate’s rights and their human dignity while on duty.
“You have a big responsibly to control the prison. I also expect you to apply your professional skills with neutrality to overcome any challenges ahead of your duty,” Hassan said.
Others who also urged the officers to abide by the rule of law and protect humans included Auta Moceisuva, the UN regional supervisor and a correctional advisory service from the Rule of Law security institutes that supports Wau – Sector II UNMISS in WBGS. Other states supported include Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Lake States
Meanwhile the commissioner of the prisons department in Wau Mr. Anthony Majok Makuei said that, the new graduates will be deployed to three counties within the state.
He also urged the officers to respect the inmates since some of them include government officials, doctors and other respected figures in prisons.
Makuei urged the entire citizens of the state to keep visiting their families in prison. He also mentioned that the overcrowding challenges facing prison need to be addressed.
Governor Rizik Zackaria Hassan donated 20,000 South Sudanese Pounds to support the new graduates.