Police spokesperson Major General James Monday Enoka said the incident occurred on August 13 at around 4:00 p.m., when the suspects attacked the young girl.
“All eight suspects have been arrested and are now in police custody. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and upon completion, they will be arraigned before a court of law to face justice,” Enoka stated.
The police spokesperson said the swift arrests were made possible due to intensified joint security operations across the country, which have contributed to a notable reduction in crime rates.
In June this year, the police arrested seven suspects in the reported gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl in the capital, Juba, after a video of the assault circulated online.
The footage appears to show the minor girl being forced into sexual acts by a group of youths who recorded the incident in the Sherikat neighbourhood. The shocking incident reportedly happened on 19 June.
Under South Sudan’s 2008 Penal Code, rape is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.
The transitional constitution defines a child as anyone under the age of 18, and further states that the best interests of the child will be protected in all matters related to his or her life.
In a separate development, five suspects have also been arrested in connection with the murder of the Director General of Education for restive Western Equatoria State, Peter Michael Mbia, who was shot dead at his residence in Yambio’s Napere residential area on August 3.
“I am glad to say all five suspects have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing, and they too will be taken to court after completion of the legal process,” Enoka confirmed.
Enoka stressed that joint operations involving the police and other security agencies will continue in Juba and other states until calm is fully restored.
“The police are doing their best to crack down on criminals, arresting those who commit crimes and bringing them to justice. Our joint operation is still progressing,” he said.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that recent operations against gangs and criminal networks have created safer conditions for residents to move freely, particularly in the evenings.
