Author : Memoscar Lasuba | Published: 2 hours ago
Single Dee – Courtesy
South Sudanese artist Deng James, popularly known as Single Dee, says he was harassed by men in uniform in Juba after being stopped over his expired artist identification card, while police have urged the public to report any security personnel who demand money.
Single Dee said the men removed him from his vehicle after checking his ID and allegedly threatened to cut his hair. He said he later contacted the Artists Union, which sent someone with his renewed identification card.
Single Dee said the men asked to see his artist ID and removed him from his vehicle after discovering that the card had expired.
He said he explained that his identification card was already being renewed by the Artists Union following his recent return from Uganda, but the men allegedly refused to listen and threatened to cut his hair.
“They asked for our IDs as artists. We removed our IDs. Then they checked the ID and then they said, ‘Oh, this is expired,’” Single Dee said.
“I told them, yeah, they expired, but I just came back from Uganda. I’ve already even talked to the artists union. They are already renewing my card,” he added.
Single Dee said he remained at the location for about 40 minutes until someone from the Artists Union brought his renewed identification card.
He said security personnel then raised concerns about the tinted windows of his vehicle and that he was eventually released after money was paid.
“I didn’t even get out because I got my ID. We had to pay it to get out,” he said.
Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin urged members of the public to report security personnel who demand money from them.
He said providing details of the time and location of such incidents would help police identify those involved.
“If you give us the details of the time, we will know who was there at that specific time,” Justin said.
He urged members of the public to report such incidents immediately, saying this would enable police to respond and pursue those responsible.
Meanwhile, artist Isaac Lomori, also known as MC Lomex, called on South Sudanese artists to carry valid identification cards.
He said artists should not assume that security personnel will recognize them because of their fame.
“I call upon all our South Sudanese artists to receive the ID,” Lomori said.
“You might be famous, but there are people who are not on social media. They don’t even listen to music, they don’t listen to radio, they don’t listen to anything and they may not know you,” he said
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