By Yiep Joseph
The special court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused on Friday adjourned proceedings to allow judges to review objections raised by the defense against a digital forensic report.
The adjournment followed a challenge by defense lawyers to the admissibility of portions of a report submitted as Prosecution Document No. 9 by digital forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin.
The defense argued that the expert lacked jurisdiction to conduct the analysis and questioned the legal basis under which the forensic examination was carried out.
Presiding Judge Dr, James Alala Deng said they would study the defence’s arguments, particularly those relating to cybercrime laws in South Africa, before issuing a ruling.
The document has not been formally admitted into evidence pending the court’s decision.
During the 53rd session, the court further adjourned proceedings to February 25. The presiding judge cited health-related absences among some tribunal members and said the panel required additional time to examine relevant legal provisions, including Articles 46 to 52 referenced by the defense.
The disputed forensic report contains six attachments, including requests for forensic assistance from South Africa, correspondence from the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, and materials transmitted through South Sudan’s diplomatic channels.
Judges said the adjournment would enable them to collectively deliberate on the defense’s objections and review applicable South African law before delivering a ruling at the next session.
Prosecutors have described the forensic report as central to their case. They allege that Dr. Machar and his co-accused orchestrated a March 2025 attack on an SSPDF garrison in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
According to the prosecution, SPLA-IO forces allied with the White Army killed 257 SSPDF soldiers, including commander David Majur Dak, and destroyed or seized military equipment valued at approximately $58 million during the attack.
Machar and his co-accused face charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property and crimes against humanity. The case continues on February 25.