A lawmaker currently on trial in the high-profile Nasir attack case involving suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has accused National Security Service (NSS) operatives of breaking into his vehicle and stealing important personal documents.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, the National Legislative Assembly member for Nasir County elected on an SPLM-IO ticket, told the special court on Wednesday that security officers broke into his car while it was in their custody, removing several personal items including his driver’s license and vehicle logbook.
He added that the vehicle sustained significant mechanical damage during the incident.
Lam revealed that he only learned about the break-in several months after his arrest, when the director of the detention facility informed him that a member of the NSS personnel had forcibly entered the vehicle, which was parked on NSS premises.
“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.
“One of their security personnel broke into the car and stole personal belongings, including my driving license and logbook, and removed the number plates.”
He noted that he had to repair the damaged vehicle at his own expense.
Despite the incident, Lam expressed appreciation for the honesty and cooperation shown by the director of the detention facility.
The parliamentarian further claimed that the National Security Service violated Section 54 of the National Security Service Act, 2014.
He argued that arrests without a warrant are only allowed when a person is caught committing or is reasonably suspected of committing an offence against the state.
Additionally, the law requires that any person arrested without a warrant must be presented before a magistrate or judge within 24 hours.
Lam stated that this provision was breached in his case, as he was held in detention for seven months before being brought before a judge.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the session until Friday, June 19, when Lam is expected to continue with his defence.
Lam is one of eight individuals facing serious charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and destruction of property.
The charges stem from the March 2025 attack on an SSPDF base in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
The other co-accused include suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
While Dr. Machar remains under house arrest, the other defendants are being held in NSS custody.Prosecutors claim 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 approximately $58 million during the attack.
