A South African digital forensic expert testifying in the high-profile treason trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has come under sharp criticism after the defense accused him of presenting outdated photographs as current evidence.

During the court session, defense lawyers challenged the credibility of Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi after he submitted photos allegedly showing weapons and military equipment linked to the accused.

The defense claimed that some of the photographs were taken as far back as 2018 and 2020, not in 2025 as the prosecution had implied.

The revelation triggered heated exchanges in court, with defense counsel arguing that using old images to support charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity was misleading and compromised the integrity of the evidence.

The expert was testifying on the analysis of seized electronic devices, including phones and laptops belonging to Machar and his co-accused.

Prosecutors allege the devices contain evidence linking the defendants to the March 2025 attack on an SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which killed 257 soldiers.

Machar and eight co-accused face multiple serious charges, including treason, terrorism, and crimes against humanity.

Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025.

The defense has repeatedly raised concerns about the handling and authenticity of digital evidence throughout the trial, which has already faced multiple delays due to procedural disputes.

The trial was adjourned to allow the expert to respond to the allegations regarding the age of the photographs.

Proceedings are expected to continue next week.