21/03/2025
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📰 by Josephine Yar - The Radio Community
Terekeka woman loses life to forced marriage
Mar 18, 2025 08:33 AM
Authorities in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, say a young woman died on Saturday while being tortured into accepting a man's hand in marriage.
Over a year ago, Kelementina Jandi Wani got pregnant by a young man, whom her family considered poor.
"The girl was returned to her father's house until she gave birth," said Philip Nyang Lago, administrator of Gemeiza Payam, where the incident occurred at the weekend.
As a result, the family found Jandi another man, who has a lot of cattle to offer as bride price.
"After she weaned her baby, the relatives decided to give her to another man. But the girl rejected their decision," Lago explained.
He said eight gentlemen drove the lady to the forest, where she was mercilessly tortured to accept the unnamed man.
The administrator added, "They took her deep in the forest and tortured her for more than two hours. After they returned to the house with her, she died."
For his part, the police inspector in Jemeiza disclosed that the eight brothers and two local chiefs have been arrested in connection with the incident.
"Police are trying their best to transport the suspects to Terekeka town final investigation," Joseph Luki said.
Meanwhile, Martin Larbek Awur, director for Gender, child, and social welfare in Terekeka County, condemned the act and called upon the local chiefs to join hands with his office to end the practice.
"Let us educate our girls; let them get educated despite the fact we are poor," Larbek argued.
"Let's try our best to build their future and fight the idea of using our young girls as a source of wealth."
Since June 2024, Terekeka County has recorded 34 GBV-related cases, of which 20 were r**e and 14 forced and early marriages.
However, the recent incident is the first death case to be recorded in the area, local officials