This came following the death of a woman who reportedly succumbed to injuries inflicted by security personnel while detention

By Emmanuel Mandella

A section of leaders in Ibba County are calling for justice and accountability following the death of a woman who succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers while in detention last year.

The incident, which has ignited public outrage, reportedly involved two women who were accused of negligence after a child they transported from Ibba to Madebe Payam disappeared and remains missing to this day.

Both women were initially taken in for investigation and later transferred to the Ibba County prison pending trial. However, during the night, CID officers reportedly removed them from their cells and subjected them to severe beatings, resulting in the death of one of the women.

Speaking to The City Review over the weekend, Paramount Chief Marona Sako condemned the act and demanded action from the authorities.

“This is not justice. It is murder. We call upon the government to immediately investigate this crime and hold the perpetrators accountable,” Chief Marona Sako said. “Our people need to know that the law is there to protect, not to destroy lives.”

The death of the woman, whose name has been withheld out of respect for the family, has fueled anger in Ibba County and beyond, reigniting concerns about human rights abuses by security forces.

A human rights activist, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, described the situation as “a violation of due process and human dignity.”

“The use of torture under the guise of investigation is illegal and immoral,” the activist said. “The government must show leadership by ensuring those responsible are prosecuted transparently.”

Another human rights defender added, “When citizens lose trust in the security system, it becomes a challenge to maintain peace and order. Justice for this woman is justice for all South Sudanese.”

The family of the deceased and the surviving woman, who remains traumatized by the experience, have also appealed for the protection of witnesses and a thorough, independent investigation.

As pressure mounts, civil society organizations are urging the Ministry of Justice and Interior to dispatch an independent investigation team to Ibba County and ensure that those implicated are brought before the courts.

“When citizens lose trust in the security system, it becomes a challenge to maintain peace and order. Justice for this woman is justice for all South Sudanese,” said a human rights activist.