By Yiep Joseph
The special court trying Puot Kang and the seven co-accused, including Suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has concluded presentations from witnesses that do need protection.
On Wednesday the sixth prosecution witness, Sgt. Mayen Kuol Chan, special bodyguard of the late SSPDF commander Major General David Majur Dak, concluded his presentation.
During the 36th session, Kuol concluded the presentation and was re-examined by the prosecution, cross-examined by the defense, and examined by the judges.
Recently the prosecution team requested protection of the witnesses, citing that Kuol, who is the sixth witness, was the last witness to testify openly in the court, while the remaining witness needs protection.
Previously the prosecution team told the judges that they will present sixteen witnesses, of which some will testify in open court while others need protection.
The prosecution submitted the list of the witnesses to the judges.
However, on Wednesday after the presentation from the sixth witness, the court adjourned the session to Monday January 12, 2026.
Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala adjourned the trial to Monday, January 12, when the court is scheduled to decide on witness protection.
Machar and his co-accused face multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors allege SPLA-IO forces, allied with the White Army, killed 257 SSPDF soldiers and destroyed or seized military equipment valued at around $58 million during the Nasir garrison attack.