Testifying on Wednesday before the High Court, digital forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi said WhatsApp messages extracted from Gatwech’s phone suggest he relayed details about the movements and operations of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to opposition-aligned actors.
Rafadi told the court that the data forms part of the prosecution’s case alleging coordination between some of the accused and armed groups opposed to the government. Gatwech, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, is listed as the third accused in the case.
According to Rafadi, several messages retrieved from the device indicate that Gatwech communicated information regarding SSPDF troop movements in Nasir County, including the deployment of barges along the Nile.
One of the messages presented in court read: “We, the commanders of the SPLM-IO, we are ready for any action they carry out against us,” which the expert said pointed to an alignment with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The witness further testified that Gatwech allegedly provided operational updates, including logistical constraints affecting SSPDF movements.
“From extracted messages, he further communicated that the barges are confronted by challenges as the river subsided and became shallow,” Rafadi told the court.
He added that other messages suggested Gatwech was receiving and sharing real-time updates about military engagements involving the White Army and government forces.
In one instance, Rafadi said a message indicated that SSPDF barges had reached Lony and were involved in clashes with the White Army. Another message read: “The boat that carried food to our youth in Luel has returned to Doma.”
The prosecution argues that such communications amount to the leaking of sensitive military intelligence, potentially aiding armed groups operating against government forces.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Geri Raymond Legge questioned whether Rafadi’s conclusions about Gatwech’s alleged political and military alignment were based on objective forensic findings or personal interpretation.
Rafadi maintained that his assessment was grounded in the content and context of the extracted messages, which he said demonstrated a consistent pattern of communication aligned with SPLM-IO narratives and activities.
However, he acknowledged that at the time of extracting the data, he was not aware of Gatwech’s official position.
“At the time of message extraction of the phone of Mr Gatwech Lam, I didn’t know his role,” he said. “I even thought he worked in the media because he was seeking a lot of information from the number I once took an interest in, which is the WhatsApp group belonging to Edmund Yakani.”
The court adjourned the session to April 8, 2026, when Rafadi is expected to continue giving evidence under cross-examination.
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.
