A court in Rumbek Town, Lakes State, has sentenced three girls to one year and three months in prison, along with fines of 85,000 SSP each, for stealing 18 goats from the Akuac residential area.
The ruling, issued by the Bench Court of Rumbek on Wednesday, also requires the girls to return six goats each as compensation for the theft.
Judge Daniel Maliap confirmed to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the girls had been arrested for repeatedly stealing goats from local residents, slaughtering them for sale in the market while keeping some for personal consumption.
“After a thorough investigation, the court confirmed that these girls were involved in the theft and distribution of goat meat. They were caught stealing goats from residential areas, and some of the meat was sold in the market,” Judge Maliap said.
The girls, who admitted to the theft, are also required to compensate the owners by returning the stolen goats.
Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist in Lakes State, emphasized that the community was well aware of the case and the sentencing.
He noted that the court’s decision is final unless appealed. “If the parents of these girls are dissatisfied with the ruling, they have the option to appeal to a higher court,” he said.
Kon also warned that involvement in criminal activities, particularly livestock theft, carries severe consequences under local laws. He urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of theft and its legal repercussions.
This case serves as a reminder of the strict penalties under South Sudan’s customary law and the Public Order Act of 2022, which condemns the theft of domestic animals, including goats, cows, and other property. “The law is clear: those involved in stealing livestock face severe punishment,” Kon said.