Sudanese Trader Executed By Hanging For Defiling And Murdering 5-Year-Old In South Sudan

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

A Sudanese trader convicted of the defilement and murder of five-year-old Abuk Lual, whose body was found dumped in a pit latrine in Aweil in 2022, was executed by hanging on Wednesday at Wau Central Prison.

Abusam, 42, was executed at approximately 2:00 p.m. South Sudan time, in the presence of key figures, including Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Simon Mawut, the victim’s parents, and officials from the South Sudan Judiciary.

Defence lawyer Garang Akok Mading confirmed the execution, stating that justice had been served.

“Today, we assure the people of South Sudan, especially those in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, that the case of the late Abuk has been closed.

The criminal, Sabir Abdallah Abusam, has been executed after spending five years in prison,” Mading said.

“The conviction of Abusam was carried out today at 2:10 p.m. in the presence of the Governor, Abuk’s parents, and an uncle. Justice has been achieved,” he added.

State Information Minister Gabriel Deng Yel praised the execution, affirming that South Sudan’s legal system holds offenders accountable.

“Our purpose in coming to Wau today was to witness the execution of Sabir Abdallah, the man who so brutally harmed young Abuk Lual,” Yel said.

“South Sudan’s laws are clear that no crime will go unpunished. Despite initial doubts about whether justice would be served, today’s execution demonstrates our commitment to upholding the law,” he explained.

Stephen Musa Robo, State Coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, also welcomed the execution, calling it a stern warning to others who might consider committing similar crimes.

“The justice system in our country has worked, and justice has taken its course.

‘This serves as a lesson to all perpetrators of such heinous acts. We fully support the execution,” Robo stated.

The family of Abuk Lual expressed gratitude to the Governor for his tireless efforts to ensure that justice was achieved.

They also thanked the authorities for their involvement in the case.

Abusam was sentenced to death by hanging in June 2022 after being found guilty by the Aweil High Court of defiling and murdering the young girl.

His death sentence was upheld by the Court of Appeal in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal State in May 2022.

The accused, Sabir Abdallah Abusam, was arrested on May 5, 2022, in the Ayuang residential area of Aweil, following widespread public protests in response to the gruesome murder.