Jailed Capt. Richard Ruai Case: Why trial continued without victim testimony

South Sudan’s criminal justice system can continue prosecuting even when a victim forgives an offender or accepts compensation, authorities say in the case of Police Captain Richard Ruai Kuol. Ruai was sentenced on July 23, 2026 by the Joint Special Court to six months in prison, backdated to May 6, 2026, after being found guilty of assaulting a civilian captured in widely shared video. The incident occurred May 5 near the James Hotel in Juba, where footage showed Ruai beating the civilian with a stick. Prosecutors said the force was excessive; Ruai admitted assault but claimed provocation. A legal officer explained that “public rights” prosecutions can’t be waived by reconciliation, and the court did not decide compensation, leaving a separate civil claim available.