(DODOMA) – The release of Tanzanian truck driver Juma Maganga after months in custody in South Sudan has drawn renewed attention to the legal and financial risks facing cross border transport operators who supply goods into the South Sudan market.
Maganga was detained from February 14, 2025, following a road accident in South Sudan in which a soldier died. Under local customs applied alongside the formal justice process, compensation was required before his release could be secured. The settlement was set at the value of 51 cows, assessed at about 36 million Tanzanian shillings, equivalent to around 14,500 United States dollars.
The compensation reflected local practice where the family of the deceased, including parents and spouses, are entitled to payment. In this case, the soldier was reported to have had three wives, increasing the number of beneficiaries and the overall cost. For regional transporters serving South Sudan, such arrangements add to the uncertainty and cost of operating along key trade corridors.
Maganga returned to Tanzania on January 3, 2026, where he was received by relatives and supporters in Dodoma. In statements shared publicly, he described harsh detention conditions and said access to food and basic support depended largely on personal resources and help from outside.
He said detainees came from several countries in the region, including Uganda, Kenya and Somalia, many held for immigration or traffic related offences. According to Maganga, the experience underlined the importance of financial backing and strong networks when operating in foreign jurisdictions.
The funds that led to his release were raised through public contributions, support from truck drivers associations, and assistance from government figures. A Tanzanian lawyer was initially hired by his employer but later became unavailable. Legal representation was eventually secured with the support of international partners, at a daily court cost of about 100 United States dollars, equivalent to roughly 710,000 South Sudanese pounds at prevailing market rates.
By the time of his release, payments linked to compensation, legal fees and burial costs had reached about 14,500 United States dollars, equal to roughly 103 million South Sudanese pounds.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Compensation and related costs | 14,500 USD |
| Equivalent in SSP | About 103,000,000 SSP |
| Detention period | About 10 months |
Tanzanian Minister for Minerals Antony Mavunde said he became aware of the case during a public meeting in Dodoma in September 2025 and worked with others to mobilise support. He said cooperation with Tanzanian officials in Juba and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helped conclude the process, leading to Maganga’s release on December 31, 2025.
For South Sudan, which relies heavily on regional road transport for fuel, food and consumer goods, the case highlights the need for clearer processes, road safety measures and legal awareness for foreign drivers. For businesses and logistics firms operating in the country, it also underlines the importance of risk planning, insurance cover and engagement with local authorities to protect supply chains and personnel.
