Juba Police Arrest Celebrity Model, Shave His Dreadlocks Before Releasing Him

• There is an uproar on social media after celebrity events manager Bang Zee was arrested on the streets of Juba
• The police officers took the radio presenter into custody and shaved his dreadlocks before releasing him
• Bang becomes the latest victim of the ongoing "dreadlock operation" meant to rid the city of criminal activities

Renowned South Sudanese model, TV presenter, and events manager Bang Zee is officially bald, thanks to Juba police officers.

Bang found himself on the wrong side of the law as he became the latest target of the city's "dreadlock operation" led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Over 300 arrested so far

Hot in Juba reports that the media personality was thrown into custody despite presenting his valid work identification documents to the police.

The IGP's campaign against individuals with dreadlocks has been gaining momentum in the city as part of an operation to reduce crime.

As of November 27, over 300 youths with dreadlocks, among them women, had been arrested, according to Eye Radio.

Bang expressed frustration, stating that he had cooperated fully with law enforcers but was not released until after his distinctive dreadlocks were forcibly shaved.

Violation of personal expression

The "dreadlock operation" has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about civil liberties and individual freedoms.

Many demanded transparency and accountability, accusing the police of wrongfully prosecuting innocent people.

They urged the authorities to reconsider enforcing policies that target individuals solely based on their choice of hairstyle, as it promotes discrimination.

Bang Zee's arrest ignited a social media storm, with netizens condemning what they see as an unjustified violation of personal expression.

Public reactions

Beckie Johnz:

"I don’t understand how your hair defines you. This is ridiculous, they have more pressing issues in that country."

Mayor Machar Madut:

The energy and time the police and their IGP wasted to arrest Rastas in the city would have instead been used to stabilize Juba City from crime."

Lual Dau Akech:

"When the country is led by the illiterate, nothing can happen. They are focusing on things that won't take SSD to the world."

Yoere Rejoyce Aniwote:

"To be honest, that rule is just weird. Even in developed countries, people have dreadlocks, it's just a lifestyle that someone chooses."

No judgment for dreadlocked church member

Back home, Jesus Compassionate Ministry (JCM) founder Muthee Kiengei vowed to protect a dreadlocked church member from criticism.

Kiengei was unimpressed by a section of his congregants who judged the member for spotting dreadlocks.

The preacher said the man was among the first congregants when he opened the church and noted that he should not be judged at face value.