JudgeMaj. Gen. Majok Michael Chan, Presides the General Court Martial/Photo by Daniel Michael

The Court Martial in Juba has given the public prosecution a week to complete investigations into the killing of three Syrians and a South Sudanese by an SSPDF soldier in Warrap state early this month.

This came after the court corrected complaints raised by the suspect’s defense lawyers who last week accused it of a conflict of interest.

This is because one of the judges was a member of the investigative committee.

The accused private Yak Garang Yak 40 years was arrested for allegedly killing four workers of a construction company.

The incident happened in the Akon village of Gogrial West on the 7^th of this month.

During Saturday’s first hearing, the military public prosecution Lieutenant Colonel, Andrew Riak Nyau said the suspect was accused to have reported drunk to work by the workers, which led to his suspension.

Riak said the suspect went home and took a gun when shot the four construction workers dead, injuring another.

He requested the court to consider all the legal procedures according to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Riak also called on the court to give him enough time to complete the procedures and investigations.

On his part, the suspect’s defense lawyer Captain Francis Laboka requested the prosecution to bring the crime exhibits including the weapon, two mobile phones, and the car that the suspect used to escape.

However, the Presiding Judge of General Court Martial Maj General Majok Michael Chan adjourned the court session to the 10^th of next month to hear from the complainer.

“This is an issue of public opinion, and it needs a speedy resolution, but this does not prevent the justice system from taking the right path. Please do not procrastinate in the procedures. All procedures and investigations must be completed,

“As for the Public Prosecution, we will give you a period of one week to complete the procedures, and if they are not completed within a week, you must submit a request to extend the period.

The Military Public Prosecution filed a police case against the suspect under sections 206, 305,329 of the South Sudan 2008 penal act 2008 and 76 and 69 of the SPLM 2009 Act. –