According an official, the robber broke into the centre, wielding a machete to force open the door and stole not just the substantial sum of money but also vital documents.

By Emmanuel Mandella

It was a big blow for the women of Ibba County in Western Equatoria State after their collective savings of SSP 5.5 million were stolen in a brazen robbery at the Ibba Women Resource Centre on Monday evening.

In an exclusive interview with The City Review, Ms. Agnes Michael, Chairlady of the Resource Centre, confirmed the theft, which took place around 9 PM, and described the despair left in its wake.

According to her, the robber broke into the centre, wielding a machete to force open the door and stole not just the substantial sum of money but also vital documents.

“This money is saved by women for different purposes. They can be lent to other women and returned with some interest. It is used to support women operating small businesses and to pay school fees for our children,” she explained.

Furthermore, Agnes highlighted how the savings had served as a lifeline for struggling women in Ibba County, many of whom are single mothers.

“They stole our money on Monday at around 9 PM. People heard the noise, even the police heard it. They broke the outside padlock, opened the door, and stole SSP 5,500,000,” she said.

The incident has left the women distraught, as their hard-earned savings had been the backbone of their efforts to support small-scale businesses and fund education for their children. The resource centre has filed a case with the police, urging authorities to trace and apprehend the perpetrator.

However, Ms. Fozia Abash Barnaba Bangasu, the newly elected Chairlady of the Women’s General Union in Western Equatoria State, condemned the robbery in the strongest terms citing that.

“On behalf of the women of Western Equatoria State and on my own behalf, I want to condemn this heinous act. This money was for the empowerment of women in Ibba, helping them cover school fees for their children and become self-reliant. Most of these women are single mothers,” said Ms. Bangasu.

She called on authorities to act swiftly and bring the culprits to justice. “I urge the authorities in Ibba and Western Equatoria State to ensure those responsible face the law, because this act is unacceptable. Women are struggling to save this money to secure their futures,” she added.

Ms. Bangasu also issued a message of caution to other women’s associations across Western Equatoria, especially during the festive season.

“Let us keep money in banks or safer places where banks are unavailable. Women must remain calm and trust the authorities to handle this situation.”

The robbery has not only dealt a financial blow but also underscored the vulnerability of grassroots women’s initiatives that lack access to secure banking systems. As the Ibba community seeks justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women striving for empowerment in South Sudan.

“This money is saved by women for different purposes. They can be lent to other women and returned with some interest. It is used to support women operating small businesses and to pay school fees for our children,” Ms. Agnes Michael, Chairlady of Ibba Women Resource Centre.