JUBA — Gatwech Lam Puoch, a defendant in the ongoing trial involving opposition leader Dr Riek Machar Teny, on Wednesday accused a National Security Service (NSS) officer of breaking into his vehicle and stealing important documents, including his driver’s license and vehicle logbook.
The allegation was made before the court as the Machar Lam continued presenting their defence in the high-profile proceedings.
Lam, a Member of Parliament representing Nasir County, is one of the eight defendants facing charges including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and destruction of property in connection with the March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) base in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
He told the special court during the 88th session on Wednesday that the incident occurred while he was in detention and that his vehicle had been parked within National Security Service premises.
“The director of the detention facility informed me months later that my car was broken into while in the custody of the National Security Service,” Lam said.
The member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) representing Nasir County on the SPLM-IO ticket claimed that a security officer unlawfully accessed the car and removed personal belongings, including number plates.
“According to him, one of their security personnel broke into the car; stole personal belongings, including my driving license and logbook; and removed the number plates,” he said.
He also told the court that the vehicle suffered damage during the incident, which he said resulted from the break-in and had to be repaired at his own expense.
The court adjourned the session to June 17, 2026, when Lam is expected to continue giving his defence statement.
The trial, which has drawn significant national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, is being presided over by Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Justices Stephen Simon and Isaac Pur Majok.
The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions, including Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.
On the defence side, six lawyers are representing the accused, including Dr Geri Raymond Legge, Kur Lual Kur, and Anis Tombe Augustino.
Investigations into the case are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak, while Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant.
Those standing trial alongside Machar include Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
As proceedings continue, the court is expected to further examine the credibility and implications of digital forensic evidence in establishing alleged links between political figures and armed groups.
