Prosecution lawyers asked their final witness questions in a bid to close loopholes that could have arisen in the witness’s testimony during cross-examination.
The trial followed several weeks of intense cross-examination by the defence lawyers, in which they poked holes in Rafadi’s testimony, including the forensic evidence presented.
The digital forensic expert, Rafadi, was questioned during the 70th court session by lead prosecutor Advocate Ajo Onyi Ohisa, who sought clarification on claims by the defence that conclusions in Rafadi’s report amounted to personal opinion.
“During the stage of my report writing, I had an introduction on the matter and my opinion analysis, which I termed an index to guide the honourable court on what they are about to read on the metadata, which is extracted from the phone of the accused,” Rafadi said.
Rafadi claimed the first accused, Puot Kang Chol, had access to real-time intelligence during the deadly incident.
The private investigator stated that an extracted WhatsApp message from Puot Kang indicated that there was operational awareness and monitoring of the Nasir incident even before March 3, 2025.
He said the extracted data demonstrate early operational awareness and monitoring of the Nasir incident even before 3rd March 2025.
Rafadi claimed Puot Kang also received battlefield intelligence from James Chuol Tharijath, which included the movement of helicopters for military operations and the mobilisation of the white army toward Doma and Lona to attack barges.
He alleged Puot Kang received real-time updates of fighting between the SSPDF and the White Army.
Prosecutor Ohisa also questioned Rafadi over the absence of receipts or banking records to support the alleged financial transactions mentioned in the extracted messages between the first accused, Puot Kang Chol, and Dukan Jundid.
Rafadi said that although no formal banking documents were recovered, text messages extracted from Kang’s phone made reference to money transfers, including one message stating, “Thank you for the money.”
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng formally adjourned the hearing to Friday, April 24th, 2026, for judges to examine the expert.
The high-profile trial involves eight accused individuals, including Machar, and has drawn significant public and political attention. The prosecution team, comprising senior legal figures such as Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.
They are supported by a team of advocates and legal officers, including Ajo Onyo Issa, Gabriel Mading Apach, Deng Mabior Deng, Philip Anyang Ngong, Ajak Mayol Bior, Martha Jobet Jermaiha, James Bone Michael, Peter Garang, and Butrouse Yai Adhiew.
The defence team consists of six lawyers: Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.
Major General Basile Thomas Wani leads the prosecution’s investigations, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant in the case.
The eight accused persons are 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.
