(Juba) – The mother of a 16 year old girl who was gang raped in Sherikat last week has publicly called on the South Sudanese government to sentence the suspects to death, expressing deep anger and pain over the incident.
In an emotional appeal captured in a video shared by Ador Media Ltd, the mother, speaking in her local language, said the only way to deliver justice is to execute those responsible for the attack.
The woman said her daughter’s suffering must not go unpunished and insisted that capital punishment would send a strong message about the government’s seriousness in tackling sexual violence.
“For us to know there is justice and the government is serious, those who raped my daughter should be killed. They should be hanged,” she said.
Her remarks follow widespread outrage after footage of the gang rape surfaced online last week, reportedly showing the girl being assaulted by a group of men.
The video caused shock on social media, with many South Sudanese demanding swift legal action and better protection for women and girls.
According to local police, some of the suspects involved in the assault have already been arrested and are awaiting trial. Authorities have not yet released their names or confirmed the total number of individuals involved.
Many residents in Juba and beyond have expressed support for the mother’s call for justice, though some legal experts have urged caution against capital punishment.
In South Sudan, rape is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although convictions remain rare due to weak enforcement, social stigma and fear of reprisal.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen its justice system and support survivors of gender based violence.
No financial compensation or reparations have been reported in this case.
