Bor, Jonglei State – September 5, 2025
The arrest has stirred debate across Bor, a city where tradition, belief, and modern law often collide. Some residents applauded the arrest as necessary to maintain peace and public safety. Others, however, warned against overreaching into cultural or spiritual expression.
By Deng Ghai Deng
Police in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, have shut down what is being described as a “magic den” following the arrest of a 45-year-old woman accused of practicing witchcraft.
The suspect, identified as Jennifer, a Ugandan national, was caught on Thursday after authorities raided what they described as her “operation center” in Pariak Boma, Kolyang Payam of Bor County.
According to Colonel Deng Nhial Yuang, Bor’s Police Chief, the arrest came after locals raised concerns about suspicious activities in the area. During the operation, police confiscated several items thought to be linked to spiritual rituals.
“We recovered seven traditional smoke pipes along with various other materials commonly associated with witchcraft,” said Col. Deng Nhial told reporters. “The items have been confiscated, and the suspect is now in custody as investigations continue.”
Jennifer is currently being held at the Bor Town Police Station and is expected to appear in court to face charges related to illegal spiritual practices.
But it wasn’t just a routine arrest. Mayor Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer made a personal visit to the police station, a move that underlined the seriousness of the case—or perhaps just his own curiosity.
“We respect people’s right to worship, but witchcraft—especially when it’s deemed harmful to the community—is not tolerated in Bor,” Mayor Achiek Machar told reporters. “Jennifer will have her chance to defend herself in a court of law.”
So far, no court date has been announced.
The arrest has stirred debate across Bor, a city where tradition, belief, and modern law often collide. Some residents applauded the arrest as necessary to maintain peace and public safety. Others, however, warned against overreaching into cultural or spiritual expression.
“It’s hard to tell where tradition ends and trouble begins,” said one local resident. “But if someone’s casting spells in the neighborhood, we would at least like a heads-up.”
Mayor Achiek has since called on citizens to report any “unusual or suspicious activity,” underscoring his administration’s commitment to a safe—and sorcery-free—Bor.
Possession of magical powers or the practice of witchcraft is not criminalized under South Sudan’s formal statutory law, but it remains a criminal offense under many customary laws.
