South Sudan jails police officer over civilian assault

The court ruled that Kuol’s six-month prison sentence would take effect from May 6, 2026, the date of his lawful detention by the Professional Standards Unit. He was also granted the right to appeal the judgment within the legally prescribed period.

However, the court dismissed the charges under Section 233(b) of the Penal Code Act, 2008, which relates to causing harm using a dangerous weapon, citing the absence of the complainant during the proceedings and insufficient medical evidence to prove the alleged injuries.

Reading the judgment on behalf of the President of the Joint Special Emergency Court for Organized Forces, Major General Raymond Legge, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Benjamin said the court found sufficient evidence to convict Kuol on the assault charge and ordered the sentence to take immediate effect.

He said the court ordered that Captain Kuol serve six months in prison, effective from May 6, 2026, the date of his lawful detention by the Professional Standards Unit, and pay a fine of SSP 5 million.

“The Joint Special Emergency Court, in the case of Captain Richard Ruai Kuol of the Directorate of Customs Services, hereby orders six months’ imprisonment from the date of his lawful detention on May 6, 2026, and a fine of five million South Sudanese pounds,” Benjamin read from the court’s ruling.

Speaking after the verdict, the Vice President of the Joint Special Emergency Court for Organized Forces, Brig. Gen. Justice Thomas Tut, said the judgment was intended to deter members of the organized forces from abusing civilians.

“Discipline is fundamental in the security services. This judgment is meant to prevent members of the organized forces from repeating such incidents. Any officer who commits a similar offence in the future should expect a harsher punishment. The people of South Sudan are free citizens and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Tut said.

Defense lawyer Dut Paulino said his client had accepted the court’s decision and would not challenge the ruling.

“The court has delivered its verdict, and we have accepted it. We have decided not to appeal. Our client will serve his sentence and, after completing it, will resume his duties as a police officer,” Paulino said.

The lead prosecutor, Maj. Amil Khamis Mayen Dot, said the ruling sends a clear message that security personnel who abuse civilians will be held accountable under the law.

“The purpose of this court is not to satisfy the prosecution but to uphold the rule of law. This judgment sends a strong message that any member of the organized forces who assaults a civilian will be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the National Police Service Act,” he said.

sudanspost.com