Eight suspects arrested as SSPDF investigates child trafficking network in Juba

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) on Saturday arrested eight suspects over alleged child trafficking in Juba, following investigations into the disappearance of 23 children over the past three years.

SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai said military intelligence operatives arrested eight prime suspects after conducting surveillance and gathering intelligence on the alleged criminal network.

“After thorough surveillance based on actionable intelligence, our operatives raided different hideouts and arrested eight prime suspects,” Ruai said.

According to Ruai, the suspects include former SSPDF soldiers, civilians and individuals allegedly involved in luring children, keeping them in designated houses and selling them to buyers.

He said a juvenile suspect, identified as Ayella Dominic Onono, was allegedly paid 600,000 South Sudanese pounds to lure three children using sweets and biscuits.

The spokesperson said the children were allegedly sold in Juba for between SSP9 million and SSP15 million.

“A baby girl fetches SSP15 million, equivalent to about $1,700, while a boy goes for SSP9 million, or approximately $1,100, in Juba,” he explained.

He added that three civilians allegedly linked to the network, who were reportedly in possession of seven abducted children, evaded arrest and remain at large.

According to the spokesperson, the alleged transactions in GPAA and surrounding areas, including Gumuruk, involved exchanging children for cattle.

Boys were reportedly exchanged for between 45 and 50 cows, while girls fetched between 30 and 45 cows.

Ruai identified former GPAA finance minister Stephen Jongkuch Kudumuch among three civilians described as alleged accomplices.

He said an elderly woman, Mary Amei, had stayed at Kudumuch’s house with an abducted child before travelling to Gumuruk.

Following Kudumuch’s detention, the woman was reportedly arrested in Gumuruk.

However, authorities had not confirmed whether the child was still in her possession.

Ruai said the woman and the child would be brought to Juba once the child was found.

Meanwhile, a boy who had been abducted 20 days earlier recovered from GPAA and reunited with his parents.

Eight other children had also been traced but were awaiting transfer to Juba to reunite with their families.

The SSPDF said the 23 missing children came from different ethnic communities living in Juba, including Nuer, Dinka and Shilluk communities.

Ruai urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities and suspected hideouts.