Another girl raped to death, women demand justice
South Sudanese women’s leaders have petitioned the Central Equatoria State Police Commission (CES) to bring to justice perpetrators who rapped to death a 15-year old girl in Gumbo Sherikhat.
The girls was allegedly raped and later killed by a group of men.
The incident took place on June 1.
One of the suspect has since been apprehended.
The women lobby group is now calling for justice for the victim further warning that government should quickly address the situation.
Lona James Elias, the Executive Director of the Vice for Change (VFC) who represents the group, applauded efforts by the government, the UN agencies, international partners; Non-Governmental Organizations, women groups and civil society and other partners working on the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“Having witnessed the recent horrific and barbaric rape and killing of our daughter in Gumbo Sherikhat who was gang-raped and hanged to death by the perpetrators,” said Lona.
However, she said women are afraid and worried that no justice is served to most victims of sexual violence and rape.
According to Child Act 2009 having sex with a minor is a criminal offense. Article 247 (1) of the Penal Code on sentences and penalties for rape for up to 14 years in jail and possibly a fine.
“We are aware of the fact that South Sudan has international and regional obligations to protect women and children against sexual violence, torture and other inhuman degrading treatment,” she added.
The VFC Executive Director added that they were alarmed by the consistent, rampant and increasing cases of rape, gang rape and sexual abuse of women and girls in Juba the capital and South Sudan at large.
“We, therefore, called upon, the Police Commission of Central Equatoria state to immediately bring the perpetrators to justice and demand the perpetrators are sentenced to death.”
They also called upon the Minister of Interior, National Security and Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs to improve security through Juba and its ‘ surrounding as the national capital and ensure the safety of its citizens, women and girls.
Two weeks ago, a Sudanese national was handed death sentence by a High Court in Aweil after he was found guilty of rapping a murdering a seven year old girl.
Juba, Abuk Lual met her death on May 4, 2022, in Aweil of Northern Bahr El Ghazal after she was killed by a Sudanese trader who also raped her.
October 2021 Nafisa Juma Hamid was rapped in Rock City estate, Juba.
