First accused and suspended Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chuol, engages Machar and other co-accused during a proceeding at Freedom Hall. [Photo: Courtesy]JUBA — Forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi on Wednesday told the special court that he could not provide documentary evidence to support claims that suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol sent $1,500 to fund a traditional ritual ahead of the March 2025 Nasir incident.
The testimony was delivered during the 61st session of the ongoing trial involving suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny and seven co-accused.
Under questioning from defence counsel Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Rafadi acknowledged that he did not possess any financial records—such as a receipt, bank statement, or mobile money confirmation—to verify the alleged $1,500 transaction.
“No, there is no document,” Rafadi told the court when asked to substantiate the claim that the money had been sent to an individual identified as Dukan Jundi.
The prosecution has alleged that Puot Kang transferred the money to facilitate a ritual ahead of an attack in Nasir, Upper Nile State. The claim forms part of broader accusations that the accused financed and coordinated activities linked to armed youth groups in the region.
In the absence of documentary proof, Rafadi relied on digital evidence extracted from a mobile phone. He presented a WhatsApp message exchange between Puot Kang and Dukan Jundi, in which the latter appeared to express gratitude for money received.
“I can confirm the extracted message and also confirm the number of Dukan Jundi from the phonebook of Mr Puot Kang Chol. He is the one communicating the same message to Mr Puot Kang Chol, commonly known as John P.K. C,” Rafadi testified.
However, the defence argued that a message alone, without verifiable financial records, is insufficient to conclusively prove that any transaction took place. Legal observers note that such gaps in evidence may affect how the court evaluates the credibility of the prosecution’s claims.
Lead investigator Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani has previously alleged that Puot Kang sent a total of $30,000 to mobilise youth across 15 payams, in addition to the disputed $1,500 said to have been earmarked for ritual purposes. Investigators also claim that the accused coordinated multiple cross-border transfers, including 123,000 Kenyan shillings via M-Pesa to Gatwech Liem—an accused person still at large—and 625,000 Ethiopian birr to Hoc Dor Chol.
According to the prosecution, Puot Kang acted as a financier and liaison between individuals in Juba and commanders of the White Army in Nasir and Ulang counties. These allegations are central to the state’s case linking the accused to events on the ground.
The three-judge panel hearing the case is led by Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, alongside Judges Stephen Simon Isaac and Pur Majok. The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions, reflecting the significance the state attaches to the trial.
Senior members of the prosecution include Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng, supported by a wider team of advocates and legal officers.
The defence team consists of six lawyers: Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.
Investigations are being led by Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani, assisted by Brig. Gen. John Dak, while Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service, is listed as the complainant.
The eight accused persons are Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Dr Riek Machar Teny, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.
The court adjourned the case to March 25, 2026, when Rafadi’s cross-examination is expected to continue. With the forensic report now formally admitted into the court record, attention is likely to remain on the strength and reliability of the expert’s testimony as the trial progresses.
