A lawmaker who is on trial in the high-profile Nasir attack trial, which involves suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, on Wednesday told the special court that operatives of the National Security Service (NSS) broke into his vehicle and took important documents, including his driver’s license and vehicle logbook.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County on an SPLM-IO ticket, claimed that security officers damaged his car while it was in their custody and removed several personal items.
Speaking during the 88th session, Lam said that several months after his arrest, the director of the detention facility informed him that a member of the security personnel had broken into his vehicle, which was parked within the NSS premises, and stolen some of his personal belongings.
“The director of the prison facility informed me months later, after my detention, that my car was broken into while in the custody of the NSS,” he said. “According to him [officer], one of their security personnel broke into the car and stole personal belongings, including a driving license, logbook, and removed the number plates.”
According to Lam, the vehicle sustained extensive mechanical damage and had to be repaired at his own expense.
“Despite this unfortunate experience, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the honesty and cooperation of the director of the detention facility,” he added.
The parliamentarian alleged that the National Security Service violated Section 54 of the National Security Service Act, 2014, arguing that arrests without a warrant are only permitted in cases involving individuals found committing, or reasonably suspected of committing, offences against the state.
He argued that the Act requires any person arrested without a warrant to be brought before a magistrate or judge within 24 hours, regardless of whether investigations have been completed.
According to him, this requirement was violated in his case, as he remained in detention for seven months before being brought before a judge.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings until Friday, 19 June, when Lam is expected to continue his defense.
Lam is one of eight defendants facing charges including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and destruction of property in connection with the March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) base in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
The other co-accused include suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
Dr. Machar remains under house arrest, while the remaining defendants are detained by the NSS.
Prosecutors allege that SPLA-IO forces allied with the White Army militia killed 257 soldiers, including commander David Majur Dak, and destroyed or seized military equipment worth about $58 million during the attack.
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