Terrain Hotel which witnessed the reported attack on aid workers during the July fighting - Aug 3, 2016 (Adriane Ohanesian via AP)

The General Court Martial has rejected a request by the prosecution lawyers of the Terrain Hotel case to issue a warrant of arrest for eight individuals.

The lawyers say the eight are suspected to have looted vehicles during the Terrain Hotel incident.

But the court has rejected the request, saying it is too late because the trial is in its 7^th session.

In a sitting today, two witnesses testified before the court martial. The men are both from Tiger Division.

Another six witnesses are expected to appear before the court in a close session. The sitting has been adjourned until Wednesday, 26 July 2017.

Terrain Hotel was attacked during the violence between government troops and forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar in Juba in July last year.

A South Sudanese journalist, John Gatluak, was killed in the attack. The hotel was a home to expatriates, including Americans.

The accused have been in custody for months now. They are accused of committing murder, rape, sexual harassment, and robbery.

Other charges include the destruction of the hotel and criminal trespass.

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