Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang - SSPDF spokesperson - COURTESY

A military court has suspended the hearing into a case of an SSPDF soldier accused of murdering four individuals including three foreigners in Warrap State.

Private Yak Garang Yak, a prime suspect, is accused of Killing three Syrian construction workers of a Lebanese company and a South Sudanese guard.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 7^th, at a construction site in Akon town of Warrap state.

The first session was scheduled today to label charges against the suspect.

But his defense lawyer rejected the move, accusing the court of misplaced wordings and conflict of interest.

This is because they say the court has been referred to as an investigation committee and is presided over by a chairperson.

They argued that the General Court Martial should be Presided over by a President, not a chairperson as indicated in the document.

The lawyers also cited a conflict of interest as one of the generals was a member of the investigation committee.

Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, the Spokesperson of SSPDF says the court martial decided to suspend the hearing until further notice.

“The prime suspect in the murder of four individuals that included three Syrians working as constructors for a Lebanese company and one South Sudanese,” said Gen. Lul.

“The main suspect was airlifted to Juba and today [Monday, January 23, 2023] he made his first appearance before a General Court Martial presided over by Major General Majok Michael Chan,

“The five-member committee held the first session at the Military Court in Giada and the procedures were adjourned.”