Machar lawyers grill Rafadi on South Africa’s Matlala phone data scandal

JUBA – The lawyers representing suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar on Friday challenged South African forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin Rafadi over the handling of cellphone data belonging to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in South Africa, raising questions about the integrity of the digital evidence presented in court.

Machar’s defence attorney inquired with the expert about any known breaches, complaints, or incidents that might impact the integrity of his laboratory work during Friday’s session.

This question was followed by accusations that alleged that Mr Rafadi tampered with cellphone data belonging to South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his wife, Tsakani Matlala.

A witness referred to as Witness C from the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) offered important testimony in October 2025 on the cellphone data collected from the Matlalas.

The witness claimed that the data allegedly retrieved from the Matlalas’ previous devices could not be downloaded due to technical failures, raising concerns about potential tampering.

Witness C accused Rafadi of altering the data, which could undermine the case involving the Matlalas and erode public confidence in efforts to address political violence in the country.

During the 67th session on Friday, Rafadi denied the claim of tampering with Matlala’s cellphone data, describing it as “unfounded and baseless”.

“I wish to repeat these are unfounded allegations, and as a seasoned digital forensic expert, I worked very closely and in partnership with law enforcement,” Rafadi said.

“As also seen on many appraisal letters, which I have attached with my CV, which are authenticated by the same law enforcement, including units or teams from the office of Witness C.”

Rafadi, who owns a private forensic investigation firm, Bizz Tracer Pty Ltd, stated that the phones were neither brought to his laboratory nor in his possession.

“I wish to highlight to this honourable court that the phones that were alleged were never brought to my laboratory, nor have I ever had possession of them,” he said.

He said these are unsubstantiated claims, suggesting that he had connections with an individual who is currently under investigation in the ongoing case in South Africa.

He claimed South African police, referred to as Witness C, testified that he was unable to investigate and extract data from the seized iPhone belonging to the suspect.

He concluded that Calvin Rafadi might have tampered with the suspect’s phone to prevent it from being downloaded,” Rafadi stated in court on Friday.

Presiding judge James Alala Deng adjourned the trial until Monday, March 9, 2026, to continue with cross-examination of the expert.

The three-judge panel presiding over the case is led by Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, sitting alongside Judges Stephen Simon Isaac and Pur Majok. The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal offices, reflecting the weight the state has placed on the case.

Senior members of the prosecution include Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.

They are supported by a team of advocates and legal officers, including Ajo Onyo Issa, Gabriel Mading Apach, Deng Mabior Deng, Philip Anyang Ngong, Ajak Mayol Bior, Martha Jobet Jermaiha, James Bone Michael, Peter Garang, and Butrouse Yai Adhiew.

The defence team consists of six lawyers: Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.

Investigations supporting the prosecution are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani, with assistance from Brigadier General John Dak. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant in the case.

The eight accused persons are Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Dr Riek Machar Teny, 73; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.

With the digital forensic report now formally part of the court record, attention is expected to shift to the expert’s testimony and cross-examination, which could significantly shape the direction of the high-profile trial.