SSPDF soldiers, ex-Pibor finance minister among eight suspects arrested in Juba child trafficking crackdown
JUBA — Three member of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and former Finance Minister of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area are among eight suspects arrested in connection with an alleged child abduction and trafficking network operating between Juba’s Mangateen neighborhood and Pibor.
Military Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang announced that the arrests were executed during a targeted intelligence operation focusing on the alleged criminal network.
According to the military spokesperson, military intelligence identified the detained military personnel as Sergeant Juma Lokocho Konyi, from the SSPDF Agireb Independent Brigade in Pibor; Corporal Angok Ayong Deng, from the SSPDF 1st Infantry Division in Renk; and Corporal Piol Geng Dut, from the SSPDF Mechanized Division in Jonglei.
Major General Lul confirmed that Hon. Stephen Jongkiuch Kudumum is among the eight suspects taken into custody by the SSPDF as the investigation into the trafficking syndicate continues.
According to military spokesperson, the remaining suspects include civilians accused of actively enticing children, keeping them in safe houses, and coordinating their transfer to buyers.
He stated that suspects holding a military background will face military justice procedures, while civilian defendants will be handed over to the National Police Service for thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution.
Additionally, authorities indicated that any children recovered or implicated in the syndicate will be transferred to a juvenile center, with organizations such as UNICEF expected to provide follow-up casework support.
Maj Gen Lul emphasized that the formal legal process will determine the individual levels of responsibility for each suspect. As the investigation continues, the allegations have yet to be formally tested and proven in a court of law.
Editorial Note: The allegations against the eight suspects have yet to be tested in court, and their guilt has not been established.
