Police in Juba have arrested the woman who attempted to commit suicide by jumping off a building on December 31, for allegedly committing the offense of mischief.
The 30-year-old woman had reportedly climbed to a rooftop at Hai Jebel on Friday evening, where she contemplated jumping to her death amid a terrified crowd.
Police spokesperson Major General Daniel Justin said the young woman – whose name has been withheld wanted to end her life over a family issue.
“This woman climbed a building and attempted suicide, and passers-by tried to persuade her to change her decision and go down from the roof of the building,” said the security official.
General Justin said the woman agreed to come down the two-story building after being convinced to desist from the act by passers-by.
However, she slipped while coming, and one of the journalists covering the event suffered a broken leg as he tried to save her from a gruesome fall.
“When she tried to get away, her leg slipped and fell, but one of the journalists was present and the woman fell on his leg was broken, but he managed to save the woman, and she is now in good condition.”
“The journalist is now receiving treatment, and the police have begun to file a complaint under section 315 of the South Sudan penal act 2008 she is in police custody waiting for trial.”
Police said the woman was in good condition, and that the police have taken her into custody over her actions, under section 315 of the South Sudan Penal Act 2008.
The journalist, identified as Michael Christopher, working for the Al-Watan Arabic newspaper is currently receiving medical treatment.
Justin says the motive behind the attempted suicide is a family dispute.
According to the World Health Organization data, suicide rates in South Sudan are up by 0.51%.
Section 315 of the Penal Act 2008 says whoever has the intent to cause wrongful loss or damage to the public or to any person, commits the offense of mischief.
Upon conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or with a fine or with both.