By Yang Ater Yang
Authorities in Lakes State have arrested a suspect linked to the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Cueibet County.
The arrest comes as part of ongoing investigations into the incident, which occurred on September 28 at a place known as Thiang-tok. The details of the suspect have not be revealed.
According to Lakes State police spokesman Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, the young girl was herding cattle in the forest when the suspect attacked and raped her before fleeing the scene.
Security personnel pursued the suspect and apprehended him Thursday Night in Cueibet County.
Angelina Adhel Malual, chairperson of the civil society network in Lakes State, condemned the rape as a tragic incident and called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring that the victim receives justice in court.
Adhel also urged the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare in Lakes State, along with the gender-based violence (GBV) cluster, to raise community awareness about these issues.
Alewia Machiek, director of Gender and Social Welfare in Lakes State, confirmed that this marks the third reported case of a teenage girl being raped in the area.
She called for justice and advocated for the ministry’s involvement in monitoring the legal proceedings for such cases.
“The law stipulates that anyone convicted of raping a woman faces a maximum sentence of 14 years without bail, along with fines,” she stated.
Machiek appealed to the community to ensure that victims receive medical attention to prevent infections such as HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
She mentioned that rape cases are alarming in Lakes State and lamented the community’s reluctance to heed government and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing GBV and sexual violence.