Authorities in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, have arrested a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
The woman, identified only as Jennifer, a Ugandan national, was taken into custody Thursday at her residence in Pariak Boma, Kolnyang Payam, Bor County.
Col. Deng Nhial Yuang, the police chief in Bor, told Radio Tamazuj that security officers recovered several items believed to be linked to witchcraft rituals.
“We recovered seven traditional smoke pipes along with various other materials commonly associated with witchcraft,” Yuang said. “The items have been confiscated, and the suspect is now in custody as investigations continue.”
Jennifer is being held at the Bor Town Police Station and is expected to appear in court on charges related to illegal spiritual practices. A date for the hearing has not been announced.
Bor Mayor Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer visited the suspect in custody and emphasized the local government’s stance on traditional practices.
“We respect people’s right to worship, but witchcraft—especially when it’s deemed harmful to the community—is not tolerated in Bor,” he told Radio Tamazuj.
The mayor urged residents to report suspicious activities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining public order.
The arrest has sparked debate in Bor and surrounding areas, where tensions sometimes rise between traditional beliefs and the modern legal system.
Witchcraft, or possessing magical powers is not a crime according to formal South Sudanese law, although it is recognized as a menace to communities.