Over 600 Gang Members Arrested in Juba Crackdown After Rape of Teenage Girl

(Juba) – Security operatives in Central Equatoria State have arrested 623 suspected members of a youth gang locally referred to as “niggas”, following a series of coordinated operations across the capital, Juba.

The arrests were confirmed Tuesday during the Central Equatoria State Security Committee’s weekly meeting, chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.

The intensified crackdown came in the wake of a widely condemned gang rape of a 16 year old girl in the Shirikat residential area last week.

The case sparked national outrage and renewed concerns over rising youth violence in urban areas. CES Authorities have described the response as part of an urgent effort to restore public confidence and maintain law and order.

The State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, Hon. Leon Abe Brown, told journalists that security agencies launched the city wide operation after increasing complaints from the public about gang activity. He praised security forces for their swift action and commitment to protecting residents.

“So far, security forces in all sectors of Juba have arrested 623 gang members. We applaud our security organs for their efforts,” said Minister Abe.

He further urged parents and guardians to play a proactive role in supervising their children and discouraging involvement in criminal networks. He emphasised the need for early intervention at family and community levels to address the root causes of youth delinquency.

The minister also called on development partners and non governmental organisations to work with the government to establish reformatory institutions and vocational training centres.

These facilities, he said, would provide an alternative path for young people involved in gang activities and help reintegrate them into society.

With many young people in Juba facing unemployment, limited education opportunities and poor social conditions, government officials say vocational skills training could be a practical step toward reducing crime and giving youth a stake in their communities.

During the same meeting, the Security Committee also discussed the rising cost of water in Juba. The committee urged the South Sudan Urban Water Corporation to address the issue, stressing the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible water for all city residents.

Water prices in the informal market have continued to rise, in some areas reaching the equivalent of SSP 7,000 per barrel (approximately $1 at parallel market rates) placing additional strain on families already struggling with high living costs.

The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public safety while simultaneously promoting a longer term approach focused on rehabilitation, youth empowerment and social services.

South Sudan is still recovering from years of conflict and economic instability and continues to face challenges linked to urban crime, unemployment and limited access to basic services.

The capital city, Juba remains a focal point for both progress and pressure, with security and social stability often tested by rapid population growth and fragile institutions.