Women group urges probe into alleged killing, raping of women in Western Equatoria  

JUBA – The South Sudanese Women Intellectuals Forum, a body that advocates for women rights have called on state authorities in Western Equatoria to investigate increasing cases of killing and raping of women and girls in the state.

Yesterday, a mother of three was shot dead at her home in what appears to be a targeted killing in Yambio town, Western Equatoria state, on Tuesday night.

The deceased has been identified as Sylvia Gibson Doro popularly known as Omina.

According to the state authorities, the 35-year-old was first lured out of her house through a phone call by the attackers.

In June, a 13-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed together with her family members in Tombura County.

The women bloc condemned what they described as barbaric acts of injustice act against women.

“We condemn in the strongest term possible these barbaric acts of injustice and call upon the government of Western Equatoria State to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book,” Women Intellectuals Forum said in a statement issued yesterday.

The group demand justice for a 13-year-old girl and a woman killed by unknown gunmen.

“We, therefore, request the government to investigate the gang raped and killing of a 13-year-old girl and the woman who was gunned down yesterday in western Equatoria State,” it said.

“Sexual and gender-based violence constitutes a breach of fundamental rights to life, liberty, dignity, equality between women and men, non-discrimination and physical and mental integrity,” it added.