JUBA – The Special Court hearing the case against eight SPLM/A-IO officials has adjourned the trial to Friday, October 31, following a lengthy cross-examination of the lead investigator by defense lawyers.
During the 15th session held on Monday, Maj. Gen. Basilo Thomas Wani was questioned on the arrests, search, items seizure and the transfer of exhibits outside the country for expert analysis.
The defense also asked the investigator to account for the whereabouts of four of bodyguards of Dr. Riek Machar – to which he answered that the officers in question never appeared in his investigation.
Defense lawyer Kur Lual Kur asked Wani about what prompted the arrest of the 1st and 5th accused before opening the case. Wani replied that the investigation committee was formed after the arrest, and did not give reason for the officials’ arrest.
Wani was asked if the South African tech firm which examined the mobile phones and laptops of the 5th and other accused is owned by the foreign country. He denied that and said the investigation was conducted between the South Sudan government and the private firm, through diplomatic channels.
Defense asked Wani to confirm if some senior government officials made statements accusing SPLM/A-IO officials of involvement in Nasir incident before the case was filed. He said he did not know anything about such accusations.
Asked if he visited Nasir where the incident happened, he said he could not visit due to insecurity at the time.
The session was then adjourned to Friday where cross-examination may conclude. The defense team is expected to resubmit applications for medical leave, copies of the evidence and time for scrutiny.
