Forensic expert links Machar to alleged mobilization of white army

JUBA — A South African digital forensic expert on Friday provided electronic evidence linking suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven associates to the mobilization of militia forces ahead of the attack on Nasir town in Upper Nile State.

Ratlhogo Peter Calvin, a private forensic investigator from South Africa, told the court on Friday that evidence was collected from SIM cards and memory devices from 13 items, including mobile phones and a laptop.

Calvin said the evidence showed arms procurement and logistics, operational intelligence sharing, a well-coordinated militia plan, and sharing of real-time documents with external actors.

“My findings from the devices showed a clear demonstration of arms procurement and logistics, an operational intelligence flow, a well-coordinated militia plan, and the sharing of real-time documents with certain international stakeholders,” Calvin said.

Calvin said the items he analyzed include smartphones, SIM cards, memory sticks, and laptops.

“I arranged for the phones to be brought back to the Republic of South Sudan to the investigating officer, for which they were sealed in a protected diplomatic bag,” he said.

He said the diplomatic bag was a sealed tag and accompanied by a letter from the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

He directed that he arrange a flight to Juba on August 28th, where he officially presented his final report to the investigating police officer, Basile Thomas Wani, with the Investigative Committee members as witnesses.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned proceedings to Monday, when the witness is expected to further explain his findings.

Machar, 72, and the others face serious allegations, including treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property.

These charges stem from a March 2025 assault on an army base in Nasir, which resulted in the deaths of Majur and dozens of soldiers.

The court consists of a panel of three judges: James Alala (Presiding Judge), Stephen Simon Isaac, and Pur Majok.

The Public Prosecution team consists of 13 prosecutors, including Counsel General of the Ministry of Justice Deng Achuil Adija, Counsel General of the Ministry of Justice Dr. Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.

Other members include Advocate Ajo Onyo Issa, Advocate Gabriel Mading Apach, Judge Advocate Deng Mabior Deng, Ustaz Philip Anyang Ngong, Advocate Ajak Mayol Bior, Advocate Martha Jobet Jermaiha, James Bone Michael, Advocate Peter Garang, and Counsel Butrouse Yai Adhiew.

The defense team for Dr. Machar and the other accused is composed of six lawyers: Dr. Geri Raimondu Lege, Attorney Kur Lual Kur, Attorney Anis Tombe Augustino, Attorney Deng John Deng, Attorney Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Attorney Regina Akeriaw Deng.

The case also involves investigators supporting the prosecution, including Brigadier General John Dak and Major General Basile Thomas Wani, the lead investigator.

Captain Richard Gachi Apollo, a legal captain from the Internal Security Service, is a complainant.

The eight defendants include Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Dr. Riek Machar Teny, 73; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.