Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The South African digital forensic expert hired to analyse the digital devices of the accused on Monday told a special court in Juba that he was unable to access electronic devices belonging to opposition leader Dr Riek Machar, citing password protection that could not be bypassed using available investigative tools.
Testifying in the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused, Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi said he could not retrieve any data from the seized mobile phones, tablets and a MacBook laptop due to the absence of passwords.
“The reason is that I was not provided with a password together with the MacBook laptop, which makes it very difficult to interrogate them or extract any information which pertains to the case,” Rafhadi told the court.
He explained that the devices were secured in a sealed evidence bag and that, without the necessary access credentials, it was not feasible to extract or analyse any data relevant to the charges before the court.
Rafhadi further told judges that he had consulted other digital forensic experts for guidance. According to his testimony, they advised him that no available investigative tools could lawfully or technically break the devices’ passwords.
“I wish also to get some assistance, even from another digital forensic expert. However, they also advised me that there are no investigative tools that can break the password,” he said.
He added that the only possible option would have been to send the MacBook to the original equipment manufacturer overseas for assistance. However, he said he did not pursue that route because the devices were not under his direct custody or ownership as evidence.
The expert confirmed that the devices remain intact and securely stored, and that he had no data from Dr Machar’s phone, tablet, or laptop to submit as evidence in court.
The court adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when the forensic expert is expected to present his final analysis.
Dr. Machar and his co-accused are facing multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors allege that forces allied to Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), in collaboration with the White Army, killed 257 soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, including commander General David Majur Dak, during an attack on the Nasir garrison in March 2025. The prosecution further claims that military equipment valued at approximately $58 million was destroyed or seized during the assault.
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