Outrage over the gang rape and murder of a girl in Juba

A 19-year-old girl, an eighth-grade student of Gwerekek Primary School, was tragically gang-raped and murdered by unknown assailants in the Molobur district of Jebel Lado Payam, Juba County, on Tuesday.

Lilian Henry Musa Dion was among the candidates appearing for the ongoing primary school leaving examinations.

The rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl sparked outrage in South Sudan, with human rights activists demanding justice for the victim.

According to her uncle, Edward Dion, who is also a member of the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly representing Lado East Payama, Lilian had gone just a few meters away from the school premises to answer a phone call when she was attacked and killed.

“She was taking exams for the eighth grade of primary school,” Edward told Radio Tamazuj, emphasizing the shock that this shameful act caused in society.

“Witnesses reported that at approximately 8 p.m., while reviewing with her classmates, Lilian answered the phone and moved to a nearby spot next to the restroom,” Edward said.

“It was there that she was allegedly attacked and hanged by suspected land grabbers. The medical report confirmed that she was gang raped before her death, he added.

Following this tragedy, Juba County Commissioner Engr. Emmanuel Tete Ezbon vowed that those responsible would be held accountable and vowed to dismantle gangs terrorizing property owners in Jebel Lado.

Lorna Merekaje, a well-known women’s rights activist, condemned the brutal crime and called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and hold the perpetrators accountable.

“The girl is a human being and has rights like any other person,” Merekaje said, calling for a thorough investigation into the case.

In South Sudan, murder is regulated by Art. 206 of the Penal Code Act 2008 The Penal Code 2008 provides for the death penalty for several crimes, including murder.