Police have rescued 12 suspected victims of human trafficking in Juba, including two Eritrean and nine Somali nationals.

The victims were found in the Mangateen residential area on January 6, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected smuggling network.

Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial, spokesperson for the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), confirmed the operation and stated that the victims are in police custody while investigations continue. Details of how they entered the country remain unclear.

Other Incidents Across South Sudan

While the country remains generally calm, according to Col. Nhial, several isolated incidents have been reported:

A 60-year-old deputy director of the NPSSS in the Pibor Administrative area collapsed and died on January 5, 2025. His body will be transported to Juba for burial.

A 20-year-old woman in Awiel town attempted suicide following a quarrel with her husband on January 6, 2025, at 8:45 a.m.

A separate case in Maluth County involved a 24-year-old woman attempting suicide over family issues on the same day. Both incidents are under investigation.

In Awiel East County, a man was stabbed to death by three suspects reportedly under the influence of alcohol on January 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Police are investigating the case.

A 12-year-old boy drowned in a river while fishing in Pibor on January 6 at 3:00 p.m. Later that day, a 16-year-old boy was killed by a 28-year-old man in Malakal’s Mudiria residential area. The suspect is in custody.

In Tonj East County’s Palaing Payam, a 35-year-old man killed a 31-year-old man on January 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Police have launched a criminal investigation.