Torit military court hears 26 serious cases

2026-03-17 - 05:27

A military mobile court operating in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, is currently handling 26 cases involving serious crimes such as rape, murder, and other military-related offences. Brigadier General Daniel Gatbel, President of the Military Mobile Court, said the court team travelled from Juba on March 9 and arrived in Torit the following day to begin proceedings at the military headquarters. According to Gatbel, the cases under review include six rape cases and three murder cases, alongside several military disciplinary offences such as termination, loss of firearms, and missing ammunition. He explained that some of the rape cases remain pending because the suspects have not yet been arrested. “We have 26 cases. The case of rape is six cases. Murder case, three. Military cases in nature that include termination, loss of gun, bullet and other minor cases,” Gatbel said. He added that although 26 cases were registered, some suspects are still at large, which has slowed the progress of proceedings. “There are pending cases, about six rape cases. They are accused at large, they are not arrested, but we put them as pending cases,” The court is also handling cases involving civilians, including incidents where civilians allegedly attacked military vehicles. Gatbel said such cases will be transferred to civilian courts for appropriate legal action. The military mobile court consists of five judges sitting on the penal bench, supported by two prosecutors, two defence lawyers, and two victim counsels. Authorities say the court session in Torit is expected to conclude with a closing ceremony scheduled for March 19, 2026.