The local authorities in Mundiri East County in Western Equatoria State earlier this week started cracking down on a group of youth who have been tattooing themselves using a metal locally known as ‘Kansu’ which is heated on fire before being applied to the skin.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the county commissioner, Margaret Fozia, said the practice was introduced by a group of young boys and girls believed to have come from the capital Juba and who she says are spoiling the local youth.

“There are young boys and girls with dreadlocks and we do not know where they came from and they are mobilizing children and teenagers to write “I love you” on their legs,” she said. “It is written using a metal placed on fire and is not a proper tattoo.”

The commissioner however dismissed reports that 10 boys and girls were arrested for indecent dressing and donning dreadlocks. This follows reports in the media that 10 teenagers were arrested by police on her directives for being idle and disorderly, indecent dressing, and having dreadlocks.

“In my county, no people have been arrested for indecent dressing,” she explained. “The issue is that there was a rascal who went on mobilizing children under the age of 16 to tattoo themselves.”

Commissioner Fozia clarified that those who were arrested are the girls and boys who tattooed themselves but said that they were later released after being cautioned to desist from the practice.

She however said through the efforts of her administration, the church in the county was able to talk to the children and advise them to shun negative practices.

Source: Radio Tamazuj