Alleged Assault in Bazungua Shakes Community
News of an alleged rape in Bazungua Payam, Western Equatoria, spread quickly across Yambio on Thursday.
Police say two men, believed to be SPLA-IO soldiers, entered the 60-year-old survivor’s home on Wednesday night.
Relatives report the survivor’s husband was beaten and briefly detained while attempting to file a complaint in Makpandu.
Swift Police Action and Legal Framework
Major Arkangelo Santo confirmed the suspects were first held in Makpandu before transfer to Yambio for questioning.
State Police Commissioner Gen. Samuel Tet said investigators are compiling a full brief to ‘ensure justice is served’ for the survivor.
South Sudan’s Penal Code Article 247 prescribes up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a possible fine for rape convictions.
Hospital Care and Survivor Support
The survivor received emergency treatment at Yambio Hospital shortly after the attack, local leaders stated.
Medical staff, speaking anonymously, said she is in stable condition but requires continued psychosocial support.
Community and Activist Reactions
Village elders condemned the assault, urging security organs to reinforce patrols and restore public confidence.
‘Sexual violence is a serious crime, and there should be no compromise,’ said Edmund Yakani of CEPO, calling for a quick trial.
Rights groups say accountability helps deter future abuses and strengthens the fragile peace process.
Military Silence and Ongoing Risks
SPLA-IO command in Western Equatoria has not commented, a silence observers view as tactically cautious.
Analysts note that lingering mistrust between armed factions and civilians often fuels gender-based violence in rural areas.
Stakeholders stress that transparent prosecution, beyond detentions, can reinforce recent gains in local security.