A South African digital forensic expert testified in the special court on Friday, presenting new evidence that prosecutors say links suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and co-accused to coordination with the White Army militia ahead of the March 2025 assault on the SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State.

During the 48th session, expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin submitted video clips, audio recordings, and WhatsApp messages extracted from phones belonging to third accused lawmaker Gatwech Lam Puoch and fourth accused General Gabriel Duop Lam, SPLA-IO chief of staff.

One WhatsApp message read: “I have been informed that the barges have reached Lony and they clashed with the White Army now.”

It reportedly requested reinforcements for the White Army to block SSPDF barges advancing toward Nasir and Ulang counties.

Military sources stated the barges were redeploying soldiers to relieve those stationed at the Nasir garrison for 5–10 years.

Another message noted: “The barges are confronted with challenges. The river has subsided and become shallow. Barges can’t move forward.”

Calvin also presented SPLM-IO press releases: one dated February 20, 2025, signed by 10 lawmakers condemning alleged SSPDF assaults on civilians in Nasir and Ulang; another from February 25, 2025, signed by 24 caucus members criticizing the troop deployment.

A message attributed to Gatwech Lam Puoch stated: “Wec-Yar-Adium [SSPDF garrison] is finally liberated and free from the SSPDF militia.”

Additionally, Calvin showed an exchange where General Duop Lam allegedly received details from Lieutenant Colonel Marko Juaw about selling 500 rounds of PKM ammunition at 350 SSP each.

Duop Lam also serves as a deputy army chief in the SSPDF.

Presiding Judge James Alala adjourned the session.

The trial resumes Monday, February 9, 2026, when the expert is expected to conclude his testimony.

Machar and seven co-accused face charges of 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—including commander David Majur Dak—and destroyed or seized equipment worth about $58 million in the March 2025 attack.

The case stems from the March 3, 2025, clashes when White Army fighters overran the Nasir barracks, leading to Machar’s arrest, suspension, and the ongoing high-stakes trial amid South Sudan’s fragile peace process.