Those accused include Lt. Gen. Peter Tap Chuol, Maj. Gen. Dhiling Chuol Keak, Lt. Gen. Peter Ruot Weibiem, Lt. Gen. Yak Dak Wei, Maj. Gen. William Deng, Kang Makana, Maj. Gen. Koang Miom, Maj. Gen. Koang Gatluack Terjath, Gatwech Liem, Biel Wieu, James Gatwech Lieu, Brig. Gen. Hoc Dor Chuol, and Pal Mai Deng.
During the 11th court session held on Friday, Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani, the lead investigator, presented additional evidence against the eight accused currently on trial. He also requested the court to proceed with charges against the 13 fugitives in absentia.
Gen. Thomas informed the court that 75 other suspects were released due to insufficient evidence. He recounted a series of attacks allegedly carried out by SPLA-IO forces against the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Nasir County prior to a major assault on March 3, which left 257 SSPDF soldiers dead, including their commander, Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak.
“There were several attacks on SSPDF forces before the Nasir incident,” Gen. Thomas told the court. “Whenever SSPDF personnel went to the market, they were ambushed. When they went to fetch firewood or water, they were attacked by SPLA-IO forces.”
He alleged that SPLA-IO officers mobilized and commanded the White Army to attack the SSPDF garrison in Nasir County. “During the attack on Nasir garrison, the White Army was mobilized by SPLA-IO officers,” he said.
According to Gen. Thomas, evidence gathered from administrative reports, witness testimonies, and survivor accounts indicated that the attack was “coordinated, financed, and commanded” by the SPLM/A-IO.
He further claimed that SPLM/A-IO senior member Puot Kang Chuol sent US$30,000 by air to support the logistics and mobilization of the White Army. “The money was sent twice — the first for rituals, and the second, about $30,000, was distributed among 15 payams, with each receiving $2,000,” he said.
Gen. Thomas said the first assault on March 3 was led by SPLA-IO officer Col. Tor Gille Thon, while the second, on March 4, was commanded by White Army leader Kang Makana with support from SPLA-IO commanders.
Machar’s defense lawyer, Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, objected to the evidence presented by the prosecution team.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the hearing to next week for the continuation of evidence presentation regarding the alleged involvement of the remaining seven accused in the Nasir incident. The next session is scheduled for Monday, October 20.
