Three suspects already in custody as authorities continue to face pressure from public over missing rider

By Emmanuel Mandella

Pressure is mounting on Western Equatoria State authorities to uncover the fate of a missing boda-boda rider, who disappeared almost a month ago.  Already, three suspects are in custody over the disappearance.

Twenty-eight-year-old Timangi John, a boda-boda rider operating in Yambio’s State Park area, has not been seen since May 30, 2026, sparking widespread concern among fellow riders, family members, civil society groups, and community leaders.

On Monday, hundreds of boda-boda riders, relatives, church leaders, and residents gathered in Yambio for a special joint prayer service, seeking divine intervention and demanding answers over the whereabouts of their missing colleague.

The emotional gathering highlighted growing frustrations over the lack of concrete information regarding Timangi’s disappearance, despite ongoing investigations by security agencies.

Speaking during the prayer event, Christopher Alfred Badumoyosa, Chairperson of the Yambio Boda-Boda Association, said the disappearance has shaken the entire riding community and raised serious concerns about the safety of riders across the state.

“We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of our colleague. It has now been more than three weeks, and his family, friends, and fellow riders are still waiting for answers,” Badumoyosa said. “We organized these prayers together with churches because we believe both the authorities and the community have a responsibility to help establish the truth.”

Badumoyosa emphasized that boda-boda riders play a vital role in the local economy and deserve protection and respect.

He further called for any grievances involving riders to be handled through the association to avoid misunderstandings and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes.

As public anxiety continues to grow, security officials have confirmed progress in the investigation.

Addressing the gathering, Yambio County Commissioner Mboringba Angelo Bakote revealed that three suspects are currently being held and questioned in connection with the case, while security forces continue pursuing additional leads.

“The law will take its course,” Bakote told the crowd. “Three suspects are in detention and are being interrogated. Our security agencies are actively searching for other individuals who may be linked to the disappearance.”

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by sharing any information that could assist in locating the missing rider.

“Anyone with relevant information should come forward. Community cooperation is essential if we are to uncover the truth and deliver justice,” he added.

The revelation that suspects have been detained has offered a glimmer of hope to Timangi’s family and colleagues, although many say they remain deeply worried by the absence of tangible breakthroughs.

Boroyo Song, Deputy Chairperson of the Boda-Boda Association, urged riders to remain calm and united as investigations continue.

“This situation has affected all of us. We are calling upon our members to remain united and cooperate with the government during this difficult time,” he said. “We still believe answers will come, but every day that passes without information increases the pain for the family.”

Civil society organizations have also joined calls for accountability and transparency in the investigation.

Wanga Emmanuel Mark, Chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria State, expressed solidarity with Timangi’s family and commended security authorities for making arrests.

However, he stressed that the investigation must continue until the full truth is established.

“We stand with the family, the boda-boda association, and the people of Western Equatoria in demanding answers,” Wanga said. “The arrests are a positive step, but what matters most is finding out exactly what happened and ensuring justice is served.”

He urged all parties to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands while the investigation remains ongoing.

“If those involved know anything about the victim’s whereabouts, they should provide truthful information. The family deserves to know what happened to their loved one,” he added.

The disappearance of Timangi John has become one of the most talked-about cases in Yambio in recent months, drawing attention to broader concerns about public safety and security in the state.

As investigators pursue new leads and interrogate suspects, residents say they are hoping for a breakthrough that will finally provide answers to a family and community that have spent more than three weeks living with uncertainty.

For now, prayers continue, questions remain unanswered, and the search for Timangi John goes on.