A 30-year-old man, Fraser Khamis, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for defiling his 12-year-old stepdaughter in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State.
The verdict was confirmed by Chief Judge Angelo Daniel Yor under Section 247/2 of the Penal Code 2008.
Article 17 of the South Sudan 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, and that they should not be subjected to exploitative practices or abuse.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Judge Yor said the incident first occurred in March 2025 when Khamis, who was living with his wife and her daughter, sexually assaulted the girl. Initially, the girl remained silent. However, a subsequent assault at a borehole, where Khamis allegedly forced himself on her, prompted the victim to report the incidents to her uncles.
The case was officially opened on May 16, 2025, leading to Khamis’ imprisonment.
Maridi County Commissioner Mirri Alfred said county authorities had specifically requested the judge to investigate and address the rising number of rape and other minor crimes in the area.
Alfred highlighted the challenge of having only one judge, Angelo Yor, who is based in Yambio, the capital of Western Equatoria State.
“All major cases are handled by the state headquarters judge,” Alfred said. “Only minor cases can be delayed and sometimes handled by local authorities, like paramount chiefs.”
He also expressed concern about the lack of support from local or international organizations in helping the county follow up on crime cases.
Alfred appealed to the youth and the wider community of Maridi County to refrain from criminal activities, including stealing and other offenses, and instead focus on development.
“We have the law and system now, and anyone who commits a crime will face the full force of the law. No one is above the law, and people should refrain from committing crimes,” he said.
Odetta Miwai, a women’s rights activist based in Yambio, welcomed the verdict.
“Issues that have been taken, arrested, and judged by the judge are good, and civil society can no longer complain about it again,” she said.
She added, “This is what we are advocating for on behalf of the community and vulnerable people in Western Equatoria State. When a case happens, the victim should be taken to court for final judgment, and now the laws are working. I appreciate it.”