By Ijoo Bosco
Three members of a gang have been apprehended for allegedly raping a 14-year-old teenager in the Eastern Equatoria State capital, Torit, authorities confirmed.
On 3 March, one of the gang members reportedly lured the girl from her home and delivered her to his group which then assaulted, held her down, and raped her.
This incident prompted a swift investigation by the police, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. A fourth suspect is on the run.
The Torit Municipal Council recently raised alarm about the prevalent gang activities in the town which has witnessed acts of violence such as assault, mutilation, and intimidation of residents.
Torit Mayor Mustafa Albino Zachariah told the media on Tuesday that the three suspects are currently in police custody awaiting trial and emphasized that security measures have been heightened in the town to check the gang activity.
“However, we have successfully detained three out of the four individuals involved, and they will face legal consequences,” Mayor Albino added.
He confirmed that the victim, who he did not name, is a 14-year-old teenage girl.
For her part, Warrant Officer Betty Konyo who serves at the Police Gender Desk in Torit Central Division, confirmed that three suspects are currently in police custody awaiting trial.
She revealed that the Police Gender Desk has recorded four rape cases between February and March, a concerning trend.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Ihari, a women’s rights activist in Eastern Equatoria State, strongly condemned the disturbing act of defilement and called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
Dominica Idwa, Director General of the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, declined to comment on the matter when contacted.