Police in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, are holding a boda-boda rider who allegedly carried a female passenger on Wednesday and instead of taking her to her destination changed directions and raped her
The 18-year-old passenger was being transported from Lakes State to Maridi in Western Equatoria State when the incident occurred.
According to Daniel Jur, a child protection officer with the gender desk at the Rumbek Police Station, the rider veered into a forest along the route and assaulted the girl.
“The girl was taken into the forest by the boda-boda rider, where he stopped and raped her,” Jur told Radio Tamazuj.
“After the assault, the victim fled to a nearby village, crying for help, while the suspect attempted to escape. Villagers pursued and apprehended him before handing him over to Malou Police Station,” he explained.
The victim was taken to Rumbek State Hospital for a medical examination and treatment.
Dr. Terran Madit, the hospital’s medical director, confirmed she had minor bruises from resisting the assault but was in stable condition.
Under South Sudan’s Penal Code, rape is punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both. Authorities say the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Civil society groups in Lakes State have condemned the aassault.
Daniel Laat Kon, an activist with the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.
“We strongly call on the government to ensure justice is served,” Kon said. “This will send a clear message that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence in South Sudan, where legal protections against gender-based crimes often face enforcement challenges.