A man (name withheld) has been arrested for killing a girl he wanted to forcibly marry in Chorokol, Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The arrest followed a manhunt by security personnel and local youth for the suspect, who reportedly opened fire on the innocent girl.
According to reports, the man proposed to the girl on Sunday, but when she rejected his advances, he picked up a gun and shot her dead.
Forced and child marriages remain a harmful practice prevalent among communities in Eastern Equatoria State.
The Executive Director of Ikotos County, Tito Abas, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the suspect is in police custody.
Abas stated that the man was arrested while attempting to flee to Uganda.
“He wanted to escape but was arrested after a report about him was circulated. He is currently in custody,” Abas explained.
Ikotos County Commissioner Timon Loboi Lolori also confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations are ongoing.
He said the suspect would be taken to court to face charges and warned communities against such illicit practices.
“Yesterday, I visited the crime scene where the girl was killed in Mak Boma, a village in Oduruma, Chorokol Payam. We arrested the man who had almost escaped to Uganda. He is now in custody, and the law will take its course,” Lolori said.
The Chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria Women Association, Rose Anyek, condemned the killing, calling it a violation of women’s and girls’ rights.
She urged the government to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold the perpetrator accountable. Anyek also called on partners to increase awareness campaigns about harmful traditional practices at the grassroots level.
“Such acts are unacceptable. We must stand strong to put an end to these practices in Eastern Equatoria State,” she stated.