JUBA – The third prosecution witness in the trial of eight SPLM/A-IO officials on Tuesday testified about the March violence in Nasir, alleging that the county commissioner failed to assist in efforts to evacuate government forces trapped in the area.
The hearing opened with the defense and the panel of judges concluding the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Brig. Gen. Santino Akot, who had testified on coordination between the government and its partners during the evacuation process.
Defense lawyer Deng John questioned Akot on whether the evacuation teams had produced a joint report identifying the causes of the failed rescue attempts. Akot told the court that no such joint report was prepared.
During re-examination by the prosecution, Akot maintained his earlier testimony. When questioned by the judges, he confirmed that he had not visited Nasir following the incident, explaining that his report was based on communications and discussions held during the evacuation efforts.
The court then heard from the third prosecution witness, Captain Joseph Malong, an SSPDF officer who was among those evacuated from Nasir. Malong recounted spending several days without food while sheltering inside an armored vehicle amid the violence.
He further told the court that the Nasir county commissioner did not provide any assistance to facilitate their evacuation.
In their cross-examination of the third witness, the defense team asked only one question. “Do you see anyone of those people you narrated who attacked the garrison and engaged in violence against the army in Nasir among the accused persons before you?” Kur Lual Kur asked. The witness answered that none of those directly involved in the violence were present in court.
The 31st session of the trial was adjourned to Wednesday, 17 December, when the prosecution is expected to present its fourth witness.
