Cueibet: Alleged rapist arrested after a month on the run

Police in Cueibet county have arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of raping a 16-year-old girl and then fleeing his village in Mamer-ngap last month.

The suspect was arrested by security forces on Monday.

Lakes State Police spokesman Elijah Mabor Makuac confirmed the arrest to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday.

“The suspect is currently in custody in Cueibet County for investigation,” Makuac said.

Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon said rape and gender-based violence are punishable under both government and customary law, and the crimes include early and forced marriages.

Makuac said the passage of the law raised hopes of protecting girls in Lakes State and reducing gender-based violence.

“Yes, there are still cases of gender-based violence and that is why we must appreciate the government’s efforts,” he said, adding that perpetrators would be brought to justice.