Military court in Torit jails four soldiers for robbery, gun sale, and prison escape

2026-03-21 - 12:25

A military court in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, has sentenced four soldiers to one year in jail each for crimes including robbery, the escape of a prison detainee, and the sale of a gun, among others, according to local radio. Radio Emmanuel, based in Torit, the capital of Eastern Equatoria State, reported that the soldiers were convicted on Thursday by a General Court Martial of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). The convicts were among 19 soldiers tried by the court, which was presided over by Brigadier General Daniel Gatbel Kuach Lual, President of the General Court Martial in the state. The offences included robbery, the escape of a prison detainee, sale of a gun, and carrying a firearm without a permit. The General Court Martial (GCM) is the highest level of military trial court used by the SSPDF to prosecute service members for the most serious crimes, including murder, rape, and sexual violence. The General Court Martial was launched in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, on March 12, 2026, following an investigation to identify criminal cases involving military officers. Since 2020, the SSPDF’s Military Justice Directorate has deployed 14 such courts across nine locations to promote accountability and strengthen relationships with civilian populations.