By Matik Kueth
Diplomatic procedures took center stage in Juba on Friday as a South African digital forensic expert testified that electronic evidence linking suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused to alleged arms procurement was transferred and analyzed through formal state channels.
The testimony underscored the international dimension of the Nasir case, with evidence handled under diplomatic seal and authenticated by multiple governments.
Ratlhogo Peter told the court that his forensic work involved analyzing communications and digital records extracted from devices belonging to the accused, including smartphones, SIM cards and laptops.
The material, he said, pointed to coordinated weapons logistics, intelligence sharing and militia organization, with data drawn from WhatsApp messages, images, videos and GPS records submitted by South Sudan’s lead investigator.
According to Peter, the devices were handed over to him in South Africa in June 2025 inside a sealed diplomatic bag, following a formal request from South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After completing the forensic analysis, he noted that his final report was authenticated by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the South Sudanese embassy before the evidence was returned to Juba under diplomatic protection.
Machar and his co-accused are charged with murder, terrorism, treason, and crimes against humanity over the March 2025 attack on the Nasir garrison, which prosecutors say left 257 SSPDF soldiers dead and military assets worth about $58 million destroyed or seized.
The court adjourned the session on Friday, with hearings to resume on Monday as the South African forensic expert will continue presenting pivotal evidence.
The trial is unfolding amid quiet diplomatic engagement with Washington, where Juba has reportedly sought international backing for the prosecution and relief from sanctions, placing the courtroom proceedings within a broader geopolitical context.