Nimule Court Poised for Landmark Ruling
On 19 December 2025, the High Court sitting in Nimule will announce its sentence in a case that has gripped Eastern Equatoria: a 21-year-old man admitted to raping and killing a seven-year-old girl.
Details of the February 16 Crime
Investigators say the man lured the child to Anyama riverside on 16 February 2025, assaulted her, and used a knife to end her life, sparking outrage across communities already concerned about rising gender-based violence.
Confession and Applicable Statutes
During trial sessions, the accused openly confessed. The bench framed charges under South Sudan’s Penal Code 2008—section 206 for murder and section 247 for rape—setting the legal foundation for a possible capital sentence.
Family’s Voice in Sentencing Phase
Before deciding punishment, Judge consulted the victim’s relatives, granting them until 19 December to express preferences. Advocate Godfrey Victor Bulla explained, “The court may confirm death, or choose another sentence after hearing the family.”
Judicial Gaps and Recent Acceleration
The file languished for months because Nimule lacked a resident High Court judge. Proceedings accelerated when a new judge arrived two months ago, allowing hearings to close swiftly and restoring confidence in local justice processes.
Broader Struggle Against Gender Violence
Rights monitors label the incident a ‘red alarm’ for gender-based violence. Whatever the sentence, campaigners argue the case could become a catalyst for stronger prevention, survivor support and judicial presence in South Sudan’s border towns.