On Thursday, the nation woke up to a graphic video depicting almost six suspects quenching their lust one after another against a victim whose identity was concealed for ethical reasons. The incident reportedly happened in Sherikat, the outskirts of the capital, Juba.
Four individuals have been taken into custody concerning the gang rape of a 16-year-old teenager, according to unconfirmed preliminary information.
Col. Abraham Deng Moses, a father to the survivor, told local media that his daughter, born in 2009 and in Senior One, was sent to the market last week when machete-wielding gang members surrounded, kidnapped, and sexually assaulted her in an abandoned house.
Initial information confirmed that four suspects have been arrested in connection with the
When contacted, Brig-Gen James Dak Karlo, the Director of the GBV Special Protection Unit and Child Affairs, stated that he had received the information but could not provide full details.
In a phone interview, Jackline Nasiwa, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Inclusive Governance, expressed concern that the video demonstrates a lack of seriousness in the country regarding rape.
“Yeah, this video for me shows the lack of seriousness in this country about gender-based violence and for this matter rape,” Nasiwa said.
She urged the law enforcement agency to ensure that the culprits are traced, brought to justice, and face the consequences.
“I think what is needed now from the government is to trace these groups because even from the video you can see their faces very well, and these people don’t come far from where the incident happened,” she appealed.
Ms. Nasiwa, a frontline activist against SGBV, noted that rape incidents had occurred in the past, but justice has never been served.
“We have had incidences of even young girls as young as eight years being raped by the same nigger groups and others even by adult men, but justice is not served until now,” she lamented.
“So, these young boys who rape this girl, I’m sure even they will be let loose. Nobody will follow to track them down, and they will never be charged,” she added.
According to rights activists, societal morality has deteriorated to the point that women are viewed as sex objects.
“Watching how these niggas have grown and what they are doing to the girls in the communities is an alarming thing. I say the lawlessness has created a lot, and this has increased the rate of crime,” the CPJG boss noted.
She implied that parents must make a strong commitment and raise their children properly in society, and avoid backing them up when they are wrong.
“I think what is needed now from the government is to trace these groups because even from the video you can see their faces very well, and these people don’t come far from where the incident happened,” Nasiwa cited that it is about time that the anti-gender-based violence bill be passed into law.
“It’s high time that this anti-gender-based violence is brought to the parliament and it is passed so that we cannot say there is no law charging this and there is no backing in the legal framework,” Nasiwa urged the government to improve community security by collaborating with local chiefs to promote serenity in neighborhoods. She warned against sharing the video exposing survivors.
“So, I would say that a survivor or people who have gone through these rape cases should never really be exposed,” she continued “But from the look of this video the intention is to show like this is the girl and she’s the one who is getting raped.”
Meanwhile, Ter Manyang Gatluak, Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) condemned what he termed as ‘brutal and inhumane act’ of gang rape committed against a young girl in the Shirikats area of Juba.
He said the family said, their daughter was attacked by a group identified as the “Niggas” gang while she was returning from the market.
“The CPA calls on law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to immediately investigate this case and ensure that all perpetrators are arrested and held accountable by the law,” Manyang said.
“We further urge the Government of South Sudan to enact and enforce comprehensive family protection laws that specifically address gender-based violence, and to prioritise the safety and dignity of women and girls across the nation,” he added.
CPA emphasised that they stand in full solidarity with the victim and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable members of our society,” he said.
