(Juba) – South Sudanese police have arrested three additional suspects in connection with the widely condemned gang-rape of an underage girl in Shirikat, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 13. The arrests were made in Bor, Jonglei State, where the individuals had fled after the incident in Juba.
The suspects were apprehended as part of ongoing investigations into the assault, which took place in Shirikat and involved a group of men accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The crime sparked a wave of national outrage after a video recording of the act was widely shared on social media.
Authorities confirmed that the three individuals arrested in Bor have been transferred to the capital, Juba, where they are expected to face formal charges. According to police, the investigation is still active, and two more suspects remain at large.
The assault has been strongly condemned by the public, civil society groups, and government officials alike. Many voices across the country have called for swift justice and harsher penalties for those found guilty of sexual violence, particularly against minors.
The widespread circulation of the footage triggered renewed calls for greater regulation of online content and stronger protection mechanisms for victims of gender based violence.
Community leaders and activists have urged the government to take urgent action, not only to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators but also to address the broader issue of violence against women and girls.
National and international organisations working in South Sudan have also issued statements denouncing the crime, calling for accountability, and offering support for the victim and her family.
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, together with the South Sudan National Police Service, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that justice is served and that the victim receives the necessary medical and psychosocial support.
