Two young men suspected of being members of an armed gang that allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old woman during a robbery earlier this week in the town of Bor have been arrested, local officials said.
The incident occurred in the Hai Machuor neighborhood. The suspects are in police custody and awaiting trial, according to officials.
Bor Municipal Council Mayor Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer confirmed to Radio Tamazuj the arrests and said the suspects would face legal consequences.
“The incident was deeply troubling. The girl was stabbed with a knife, but by the grace of God, she survived,” Achiek said.
The mayor praised Mamer Aguto, a community member and employee of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), for assisting the victim in accessing medical care at a UN health facility.
“We are especially grateful for his quick intervention and tireless support,” Achiek said.
Amid growing concern over gang-related violence in Bor, Achiek called on residents to help protect their neighborhoods.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Each of us must act as guardians of our own communities,” he said.
To improve public safety, the mayor’s office, in coordination with the state government, has deployed a joint security force across Bor. Patrols have been increased in high-risk areas to deter criminal activity.
Bol Deng Bol, chief executive director of The Intrepid South Sudan and head of the Jonglei Civil Society Network, condemned the attack and urged authorities to take stronger action against gang violence.
“Security organs — including the police, prison service, joint operations units and other organized forces — must be thoroughly vetted,” Bol said. “It is alarming that many arrested gang members are also members of the security forces. This shows a dangerous overlap between state institutions and criminal gangs.”
Bol also called for accountability and stronger enforcement of the law.
“Those arrested must be tried in court and, if convicted, serve their full sentences. Premature releases of convicted criminals only embolden gang networks and undermine public trust in the justice system,” he said.
He added that logistical challenges continue to hamper law enforcement efforts.
“Some units have good infrastructure but lack manpower, mobility and equipment. Delays in response time often give criminals a chance to escape. The government must urgently address these gaps,” Bol said.