Aweil North County police have detained a 19-year-old woman accused of killing her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. The suspect, Athil Garang Dut Chan, allegedly strangled her daughter, Ahok Dut, at their residence in Ariath Payam early this week. According to Sergeant Major Wol Atak, an investigator at Ariath Payam, the woman was seen strangling the child to death. The motive behind the alleged killing remains unclear, with police investigations ongoing.
The suspect has been detained at the county headquarters in Gok-Machar as authorities work to establish what led to the incident. Wol Atak said the woman allegedly dropped the child into a latrine after the killing, a detail that forms part of the ongoing investigation. The incident has raised concerns among residents, with the investigator urging them to cooperate with authorities and provide information that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Sergeant Major Wol Atak described the incident as deeply concerning, saying the killing of a person is prohibited under South Sudanese law. He emphasized that such acts are uncalled for and that the law will determine the mother’s fate. The incident comes weeks after a separate case in Aweil Town, where a young woman was reportedly accused of strangling her two children following a domestic dispute with her spouse.
In the Aweil Town case, the woman allegedly killed a boy and a girl before attempting to take her own life. She was later rescued and is likely to face charges related to the incident. Authorities have not disclosed the current status of that case. The two incidents have raised concerns about domestic disputes and violence against children in the region.
The suspect, Athil Garang Dut Chan, is being held at the county headquarters, and police are working to complete their investigation. Authorities have not provided a timeline for when the case will be brought before a court. The community is awaiting the outcome of the investigation and the subsequent court proceedings.
This incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address domestic violence and child protection in South Sudan. Authorities have been working to strengthen laws and enforcement related to domestic violence and child abuse. However, incidents like this demonstrate that more work is needed to prevent such cases and protect vulnerable populations.
The case has sparked concern among local residents, who are calling for increased measures to prevent domestic violence and protect children. Community leaders have urged authorities to provide support to families and individuals affected by domestic disputes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to domestic violence.
Key points
- A 19-year-old woman has been arrested in South Sudan for allegedly strangling her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter to death.
- The suspect, Athil Garang Dut Chan, allegedly killed her daughter during a domestic dispute.
- Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the investigation and provide information to help establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
