Suspected baby trafficker arrested in Wau after two-week manhunt

WAU – A 48-year-old woman suspected of trafficking two newborn babies from Aweil Town has been arrested in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital, Wau, police have confirmed.

The suspect, identified as Awaa Karnaga, had been on the run for nearly two weeks after allegedly fleeing with two infants—one an 18-day-old boy and the other about 20 days old—from Ayuang residential area in Aweil Town.

Police spokesperson in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Madut Ngong Aleu, said the incident began on Monday when two mothers reported the disappearance of their babies. According to police, the suspect posed as a humanitarian worker, claiming she was searching for children whose parents were unable to provide adequate care.

Aleu explained that the woman convinced the mothers to cooperate with her, telling them that certain documents, including half-size photographs, were required to process support for the children. While the mothers went to the market to obtain the photos, the suspect allegedly disappeared with the babies.

“The women immediately reported the matter to the police, and we launched intelligence-led investigations,” Aleu said. “We alerted our colleagues in Wau, where the suspect was eventually apprehended.”

He added that Awaa Karnaga is currently being held in Wau and will be transferred back to Aweil to face further investigation and possible prosecution.

Aleu noted that this is not the first incident of its kind in the state. He recalled a similar case in 2017, when a child disappeared from Aweil Hospital after being taken by someone posing as a caretaker. The child was later found in Aweil East County following an extensive manhunt.

The incident has reignited public concern over child trafficking in South Sudan, particularly given the country’s proximity to neighbouring states in East and Central Africa.

Some community members allege that criminal networks exploit vulnerable families, with claims ranging from illegal adoption rings to the sale of children for ritual practices or to individuals unable to bear children.

Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals or activities to authorities immediately.