Central Equatoria State authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a surge of alleged illegal land occupation and unauthorized land sales in and around Juba, following mounting complaints from public over disputed ownership and growing encroachment.
The probe is being spearheaded by the State Security Committee and led by the Deputy Governor, who on Tuesday headed a high-level delegation to several locations flagged in official reports.
The team visited Kadoro Village in Rajaf Payam and the Don Bosco area, among other sites, where authorities say illegal settlement and unapproved land transactions have become increasingly common.
Speaking after the assessment, the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies said preliminary findings confirm widespread violations involving individuals unlawfully occupying land belonging to private citizens, public institutions and religious bodies, before fraudulently subdividing and selling plots to unsuspecting buyers.
“We are seeing clear evidence of people taking land from rightful owners including individuals, institutions and even the Church and illegally selling it,” the Minister said.
“This practice is not only criminal, but it also poses a serious threat to public order and peaceful coexistence.”
One of the cases highlighted during the visit involved an alleged attempt to encroach on land owned by St. Vincent Church, a property that hosts schools and health facilities serving surrounding communities.
Officials warned that interference with such institutions risks disrupting essential services and undermining social stability.
State authorities expressed concern that unchecked land grabbing could fuel conflict, weaken trust in both customary and statutory land administration systems, and expose vulnerable buyers to financial loss and legal disputes. The Minister urged residents seeking land to follow recognized legal procedures through county, payam and boma authorities, and to avoid dealing with informal brokers or unauthorized sellers.
The assessment mission brought together senior state officials, security agencies, land administrators and local leaders, who jointly pledged to strengthen enforcement measures.
These include closer monitoring of settlement patterns, verification of land documents, and legal action against individuals found to be occupying or selling land illegally.
In a statement, the Central Equatoria State Government, under Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, strongly condemned all forms of land grabbing and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public, institutional and private land reserved for community development, social services and orderly urban expansion.
Officials said the current probe is expected to lead to further investigations, arrests and court proceedings where necessary, as the State moves to tighten oversight of land allocation and resolve longstanding land ownership disputes.
Authorities also signaled plans to engage communities and traditional leaders to reinforce lawful land governance and prevent future encroachment.
