Police Officer, Captain Ruai. Photo credit: Courtesy

The Joint Special Emergency Court for Organized Forces has set July 17, 2026, as the date to deliver its final judgment in the trial of Police Captain Richard Ruai Kuol, who is accused of assaulting a civilian in an incident captured on a viral video in Juba.

The decision followed the eighth hearing on Tuesday, during which both the prosecution and defense teams presented their closing arguments before the court adjourned.

The case stems from a video widely circulated on social media showing Captain Richard allegedly assaulting a civilian on a street in Juba, sparking public outrage and prompting legal proceedings.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, lead prosecutor Amil Khamis Mayen Dot said the court will determine whether to convict the accused or dismiss the case based on the evidence and legal arguments presented.

“The court now has the mandate to either dismiss the charges or issue a verdict if it finds the accused guilty,” Mayen said.

Defense lawyer Dut Paulino argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a valid criminal case because the alleged victim did not personally initiate the proceedings.

He said the defense challenged the prosecution’s reliance on Sections 66 and 322 of the Penal Code, under which the police administration is seeking the conviction of the accused.

According to Paulino, Section 35 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires the victim to institute such proceedings, arguing that the police administration cannot substitute for the complainant in initiating the criminal trial.

The defense asked the court to dismiss the criminal charges against Captain Richard and allow the alleged victim, if identified and willing, to file a separate case.

Paulino further maintained that, in the absence of the complainant, the court could only consider administrative or disciplinary measures against the accused rather than a criminal conviction.

The Joint Special Emergency Court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 17, bringing to a close a case that has attracted significant public attention since the assault video emerged online.