The main complainer has testified that South Sudan’s suspended First Vice-President, Dr. Riek Machar, conspired with his forces and the White Army militia to orchestrate attacks on the military base in Nasir County.
Dr. Machar, 73, is on trial alongside seven others for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from an attack on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir on 3 March 2025, which killed more than 200 soldiers, including Major General David Majur Dak.
Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau appeared as the complainer in the case.
Testifying during the 21st session at Freedom Hall in Juba on Friday, he told the special court that Dr. Machar had “plotted” with the White Army and the SPLA-IO opposition group, sharing intelligence to target the SSPDF.
Defence Questions Specifics of Allegations
Under cross-examination from Dr. Machar’s lawyer, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, Captain Apollo was pressed for details on the nature of the alleged collaboration.
When asked how exactly Dr. Machar worked with the armed groups to attack the Nasir army base, the complainer stated he was “not aware of the exact method.”
The defence also questioned him on the role of the first accused, suspended petroleum minister Puot Kang Chuol. Captain Apollo alleged that Mr. Puot provided funding and mobilised forces for both groups and was privy to intelligence about the planned assault.
He clarified that the support was financial but said he did not know the specific amounts involved.
Prosecution Outlines Case Origin
The prosecutor, Serafino Simon Mizan, asked Captain Apollo why he had brought the case forward. The complainer stated he was representing the National Security Service in case number 1533-2025, which was initiated after the agency received intelligence on 21 January 2025.
He told the court this intelligence alleged “destructive activities” by Mr. Puot and others, suggesting they were “funding the White Army to carry out the Nasir attack,” which he described as a “direct threat to national security.”
Captain Apollo further implicated other co-accused: Mam Pal Dhuor was alleged to have provided funding and intelligence, while Gatwech Lam Puoch was accused of inciting the attack by mobilising fighters.
Trial Adjourned for Witness Testimonies
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the hearing until Monday, 17 November 2025, when the court is expected to hear from more witnesses. He instructed the prosecution to ensure its witnesses are prepared for the next session.
The eight individuals on trial face a range of charges, including treason, terrorism, crimes against humanity, and mass murder. The full list of the accused is: Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.