Forensic Expert Unable to Unlock Riek Machar’s Devices in Nasir Case
The South African forensic expert tasked with investigating the digital devices of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar revealed in a special court session on Monday that he was unable to access Machar’s phones and laptop due to a lack of provided passwords.
Ratlhogo Peter Calvin, the 13th and final prosecution witness, presented findings from the digital forensic investigations conducted on the devices of Machar’s seven co-accused during the trial. However, he stated, “The phone and the tablet of Dr. Riek Machar were therefore not accessed, and furthermore, there is no record from his handset.”
Calvin explained the difficulties he faced in accessing Machar’s devices, saying, “I was not provided with the passwords for the phone and the MacBook computer, which makes it very difficult to interrogate them or extract any information pertinent to the case.”
In an effort to unlock the devices, Calvin sought assistance from other forensic specialists. Unfortunately, he was met with limited success and was ultimately referred to the manufacturer for further help. “They advised me that there is no investigative tool that can break the passwords, except if I send the MacBook by post to their main office overseas, as they are the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) who can assist,” he noted.
The trial is set to resume on Wednesday, February 11, when Calvin is expected to complete his testimony. Forensic evidence from the phones of Machar’s co-accused has already indicated planning, coordination, and intelligence sharing related to the March 2023 attack on the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir.
Machar and his SPLA-IO co-defendants are facing serious charges, including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity. Prosecutors allege that SPLA-IO forces, allied with the White Army, were responsible for the deaths of 257 soldiers, including commander David Majur Dak, and for the destruction or seizure of military equipment valued at approximately $58 million.
©MCK, 2026
