The defence team in the high-profile treason trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has completed its cross-examination of the South African digital forensic expert, Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi.

The cross-examination concluded on Thursday, April 9, 2026, after several days of intense questioning focused on the reliability and authenticity of digital evidence presented by the prosecution.

Defence lawyers challenged the expert on the handling of seized phones and laptops, the age of some photographs submitted as evidence, and the methods used to extract data from encrypted devices.

They accused the witness of relying on outdated material and questioned the integrity of the forensic process.

The expert had earlier testified that Machar and his co-accused bear command responsibility for the March 2025 attack on an SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which killed 257 soldiers.

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

Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025.The trial, which has faced repeated delays due to procedural disputes over evidence, is being heard by a special court in Juba.

Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, the court is expected to hear any re-examination by the prosecution before moving to the next phase of the trial.