(YIROL WEST COUNTY) – The South Sudan National Police Service has confirmed the arrest of eight suspects in connection with the reported gang rape of a 10 year old girl in Aluakluak Payam, Yirol West County, Lakes State.
Police spokesperson Major General James Monday Enoka said the incident took place on 13 August at around 4 p.m. He confirmed that the girl was attacked by a group of suspects who are now in custody.
“All eight suspects have been arrested and are now in police custody. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and upon completion, they will be arraigned before a court of law to face justice,” Enoka said.
According to the police, the arrests were made possible through intensified joint security operations, which have contributed to a reduction in crime across the country.
The incident follows a similar case earlier this year when seven suspects were arrested in Juba after a video showing the gang rape of a 16 year old girl circulated online. That incident, which took place on 19 June in Sherikat, shocked the public and raised concerns about the safety of young people in the capital.
Under South Sudan’s 2008 Penal Code, rape is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both. The transitional constitution defines a child as anyone under the age of 18 and states that the best interests of the child must be protected in all matters relating to their life and welfare.
In a separate case, police have also confirmed the arrest of five suspects linked to the murder of Peter Michael Mbia, the Director General of Education in Western Equatoria State. Mbia was shot dead at his home in Yambio’s Napere residential area on 3 August.
“I am glad to say all five suspects have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing, and they too will be taken to court after completion of the legal process,” Enoka said.
He stressed that joint operations involving the police and other security agencies will continue across Juba and the states until calm is restored.
“The police are doing their best to crack down on criminals, arresting those who commit crimes and bringing them to justice. Our joint operation is still progressing,” he added.
