Juba - September 25, 2025
The trial of 13 men accused of gang-raping a 16-year-old girl in Sheirkat has been scheduled for October 1, 2025, marking a crucial moment in South Sudan’s fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The hearing will be held before a mobile court convened at the police station where the suspects are currently detained.
Molana Josephine Adhet Deng, the lawyer representing the survivor, confirmed the date earlier this week, emphasizing the case’s wider significance.
“This case is vital in our fight against violence towards young women,” Josephine said. “It is not only about one victim it is about restoring dignity and showing that the law will protect survivors of sexual violence.”
The announcement has been welcomed by the victim’s family, community members, and human rights advocates who have long decried the culture of impunity surrounding sexual and gender-based crimes in the country.
A Nation Shocked by Brutality
The Sheirkat incident, which occurred several months ago, sent shockwaves across Juba.
According to police reports, the teenage girl was attacked late at night by a group of men who allegedly lured her away before subjecting her to prolonged abuse.
The brutality of the assault outraged the local community and quickly drew national attention, sparking protests and calls for swift justice.
In a society already grappling with high rates of sexual violence, this case stood out for its sheer brazenness. Community leaders described it as a "wake-up call," demanding authorities break the pattern of delays and cover-ups that have historically undermined justice for survivors.
Mobile Court: Bringing Justice Closer
The decision to use a mobile court a special mechanism where judges, prosecutors, and legal officers sit temporarily in communities rather than formal courthouses underscores the urgency of the matter.
Mobile courts are increasingly deployed in South Sudan to handle sensitive cases, especially in areas where survivors and their families lack access to the formal justice system.
Legal experts say mobile courts offer survivors an opportunity to see justice in real time, while also reducing logistical barriers such as transport costs and court backlogs.
In the Sheirkat case, the arrangement is also designed to ensure the suspects remain in custody and do not escape due to procedural delays.
“Holding the hearing near the police detention facility ensures transparency and reduces the risk of tampering with evidence,” Josephine Adhet Deng explained. “It also signals to the community that justice is not only for the powerful it is for everyone.”
The Broader Struggle Against Gender-Based Violence
The Sheirkat case is more than a legal trial it has become a symbol of the urgent need to address gender-based violence in South Sudan.
Statistics from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) suggest that as many as 65% of women and girls in South Sudan have experienced sexual or physical violence at least once in their lifetime one of the highest rates in the world.
Conflict, poverty, and weak institutions have all contributed to the crisis. During the civil war, rape was frequently used as a weapon of war.
Even in peacetime, cases of domestic abuse, forced marriage, and sexual assault remain rampant. Yet prosecutions are rare, and survivors often face stigma, shame, and re-traumatization.
Women’s rights groups argue that the Sheirkat trial could set an important precedent. If the suspects are convicted, it may send a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable, no matter their background.
Voices of Concern and Hope
Civil society organizations have welcomed the court’s decision to fast-track the case. The South Sudan Women Lawyers Association (SSWLA) released a statement urging the judiciary to deliver impartial justice.
“Too often, cases of sexual violence are delayed, ignored, or settled outside of court through compensation or customary practices.
This undermines justice and exposes survivors to further harm,” the statement read. “We call on the judiciary to handle this case with urgency, fairness, and sensitivity.”
Local activists echoed similar sentiments. Mary Nyamal, a women’s rights advocate in Juba, described the upcoming trial as “a test for our justice system.”
“If these men walk free, it will confirm to many survivors that the courts are not there for them,” Nyamal said. “But if the judiciary acts firmly, it will rebuild trust and encourage other women to come forward.”
Families in Sheirkat have also spoken out. One community elder, who asked not to be named, said: “We are tired of seeing our daughters harmed while those responsible go unpunished. This time, justice must prevail.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. South Sudan’s legal system is plagued by limited resources, undertrained personnel, and political interference. Survivors often face intimidation, while suspects with money or connections sometimes escape conviction through bribery or influence.
Josephine Adhet Deng acknowledged these hurdles but insisted the fight must continue. “We know the system is imperfect, but every case we push forward is a step toward change,” she said.
Observers also worry about the safety and well-being of the survivor. Gender-based violence cases often expose victims to secondary trauma, as they are forced to relive painful experiences during trial.
Activists are urging the government to provide psychosocial support, medical care, and protection for the young girl and her family.
A Turning Point?
As October 1 approaches, public attention is intensifying. Radio talk shows, community forums, and social media platforms are buzzing with debates about the Sheirkat case and what it means for South Sudan’s fragile justice system.
For many, the trial has become a symbol of whether the government is truly committed to combating gender-based violence.
“Justice for this girl will be justice for all of us,” said a youth activist in Juba. “But if the system fails, then the message is clear that women’s lives do not matter.”
Looking Forward
The Sheirkat case is not an isolated incident, but its handling could shape the trajectory of future cases.
Rights groups are calling for long-term reforms, including:
Establishing special GBV courts across the country.
Training police and judicial officers in survivor-centered approaches.
Strengthening laws to ensure harsher penalties for sexual crimes.
Expanding safe shelters and medical services for survivors.
The victim’s lawyer, Josephine, remains cautiously hopeful. “Justice is slow in our country, but it is not impossible,” she said. “What we need is commitment from the courts, from the police, and from the community.”
As the nation awaits the October 1 hearing, the eyes of South Sudan and beyond will be on Sheirkat.
For the 16-year-old girl at the center of the case, and for countless others whose stories remain untold, the verdict could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against gender-based violence.
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