By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan
The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare has condemned the brutal sexual assault recently inflicted upon a teenage girl in Juba.
This appalling act represents a severe violation of human rights and an assault on the dignity and safety of young women and girls in our society.
“We stand in solidarity with the victim and her family during this trying period. Such acts of violence are intolerable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” stated the Minister.
The Ministry calls upon all South Sudanese citizens to unite in denouncing this act of brutality and to extend support to the victim. Parents and community leaders are encouraged to actively participate in cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and a firm stance against violence.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant and supportive of survivors. It is our shared responsibility to create a safe, respectful, and violence-free environment for all individuals, particularly our children and youth,” the Minister added.
On Thursday, South Sudanese police announced the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the reported gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Juba, following the circulation of a distressing video of the incident online.
The troubling footage reportedly depicts the minor being coerced into sexual acts by a group of young men in the Sherikat neighborhood, according to police sources.
According to South Sudan’s 2008 Penal Code, acts of rape are subject to a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.
The transitional constitution categorizes a child as anyone under the age of 18, emphasizing the necessity to protect their best interests in all matters affecting their lives.
Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, the national police spokesperson, informed Radio Tamazuj that Inspector General Gen. Abraham Manyuat has ordered the rapid apprehension of the suspects.
“The IGP directed the assistant inspector general for criminal investigations to mobilize a special force to capture the offenders,” Enoka stated. “I am pleased to report that the suspects have been apprehended, and an investigation is currently underway. This case will proceed to court.”
The victim is receiving necessary medical care, he added.
Enoka reiterated the seriousness of rape as an offense under South Sudanese law and affirmed that authorities are collaborating with communities to combat gender-based violence by promoting reporting and prosecution.
Civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech denounced the assault, describing it as indicative of a disturbing trend of violence against women and girls.
“We urge law enforcement to ensure that all perpetrators face justice,” Gatwech emphasized. He further urged the government to implement stronger legislation aimed at protecting women and girls.
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