Author: Obaj Okuj | Published: 7 hours ago
Suspended Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol appears before a Special Court in Juba during the ongoing Nasir incident trial. (Photo: Courtesy)
Suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol told a special court in Juba on Monday that he had been suffering from untreated stomach ulcers and lack of medication, and has been vomiting blood while in detention, attributing the condition to poor access to medical care.
Continuing his defense in a high-profile treason trial, Kang said he was held in National Security Service detention facilities where he allegedly did not receive adequate medical attention despite repeated requests for treatment.
He told the court that his health deteriorated significantly during detention due to isolation, lack of sunlight, and restrictions on visits and medication.
Kang said he was only taken to hospital in October 2025 after a court order permitted medical treatment.
He further informed the court that he had been unwell in the days leading up to the hearing and requested permission to seek medical attention. The court granted the request and adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 1, 2026.
He also alleged that senior officials pressured him to persuade First Vice President Riek Machar to step down from leadership of the SPLM/A-IO ahead of elections, which he said he rejected, arguing that the peace agreement did not allow such arrangements and that Machar remained the legitimate chairman of the movement.
Kang further claimed he was questioned over the killing of Major General David Majur Dak and denied involvement in the March 2025 violence in Nasir County.
He accused prosecutors of politically targeting him and attempting to extend his detention through additional charges.
The case involves allegations of murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, and crimes against humanity linked to clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Prosecutors allege that forces linked to the SPLA-IO and the White Army militia attacked a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces garrison, killing 257 soldiers and destroying or seizing military equipment worth about $58 million.
Riek Machar remains under house arrest, while other co-accused are being held in National Security Service detention facilities in Juba. The trial is ongoing.
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