By Hou Akot Hou
A woman in Gogrial East County of South Sudan’s Warrap State allegedly stabbed her husband during a domestic dispute on Thursday, leaving him with serious injuries before surrendering to authorities at the scene.
Local police officials told this outlet in a phone interview that the incident occurred in Tiit-Cok Boma, Luony-Aaker Payam, in Gogrial East County.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Adhel Mabuoi Reech, allegedly attacked her husband, Bol Bol Madut, with a knife after a disagreement between the couple escalated into violence. The victim sustained stab wounds to the stomach, chest, and shoulder.
Inspector Thiik Agoth Giir described the incident.
“What happened is that a woman identified as Adhel Mabuoi Reech stabbed her husband after a disagreement between them escalated into violence, leaving the victim, Bol Bol Madut, seriously wounded,” he said.
Inspector Giir said the suspect immediately surrendered herself to local authorities after the incident, while the injured man was rushed to Kuajok Hospital for emergency treatment.
“The victim was taken to the hospital because the injuries to the chest, stomach, and shoulder are life-threatening,” he said.
The police officer attributed the increasing number of domestic violence cases to poor communication between couples, saying unresolved conflicts often escalate when partners fail to openly discuss their differences.
“One of the biggest challenges we have observed is that many couples avoid talking about their problems. They remain silent instead of discussing issues that require solutions. When one partner eventually tries to explain his or her position, it often becomes difficult for the other to accept or compromise, leading to violent reactions,” Giir explained.
He urged community leaders to pay closer attention to families experiencing persistent conflict and to identify individuals who appear withdrawn or struggle to express themselves.
“Community leaders in every neighbourhood should be more observant of people who remain unusually quiet or find it difficult to communicate their feelings, as early intervention can help prevent violence,” he said.
Mental health professionals remain scarce in many parts of South Sudan, including Warrap State. Authorities say the limited availability of mental health and psychosocial support services has contributed to increasing concerns over violent incidents, including cases of homicide and suicide, underscoring the need for greater investment in community-based mental health care and conflict resolution services.