SSPDF officer, Private Yak Garang who allegedly killed four people in Warrap State. (Photo: Obaj Okuj).

The General Court Martial in Juba has framed charges against SSPDF soldier Yak Garang Yak accused of killing three foreigners and a South Sudanese.

According to the court, Private Yak Garang is charged with murder under section 83 of the SPLA Act 2009, and article 206 of Penal Coder of 2008.

He is also charged with causing damages under section 83 of the SPLA Act 2009 and 327 of the South Sudan Penal Code 2008, and disobedience of lawful orders, according to article 67 of SPLA Act.

The six-session of the court proceeding was presided by Major General Majok Michael Chan.

“Today the court found that you are charged under the following articles, section 83 of the SPLA Act 2009 and section 206 of the South Sudan Penal Code 2008 which is murder,” Majok said to the defendant while reading the charges.

“The second article, is section 83 read with article 327 of the Penal Code of South Sudan, which is the damage: You damaged the car belonging to the company. The third article is about disobeying orders because orders were issued against you to be in prison, but you did not abide by the orders and went and committed the crime of murder.”

On January 7, 2023, Yak reportedly shot dead three Syrian construction workers and a South Sudanese security guard at the construction site in Akon town, Warrap State.

After those charges were read out against him, Yak pleaded guilty when asked by the President of the Court-Martial.

However, his defense team objected to the charges, without providing proof of innocence.

During the court session, the defense team requested for the accused to be taken for medical examinations, but the court rejected the request.

After a brief argument, the General Court Martial adjourned the session to the 3^rd of March and the final court verdict will be announced.