Juba Court orders more witnesses, alleged victim in police assault trial

By Samuel Yuang

The Joint Special Emergency Court for Organised Forces has ordered additional witnesses to testify and directed that the alleged victim be produced in court, as proceedings continue against a police officer whose actions captured on video sparked widespread public anger and demands for accountability.

Presiding over the case on Thursday 18 June, the court reviewed testimony from three prosecution witnesses plus a statement submitted by the accused — Police Captain Richard Ruai Kuol — who faces charges stemming from an incident in central Juba where footage circulated widely showing him striking a civilian repeatedly with a stick.

Speaking to reporters immediately after the session, defence counsel Dut Paulino described the day’s proceedings as a key stage in establishing the full sequence of events.

“Today’s hearing was crucial because the witnesses narrated exactly what took place leading up to and during the encounter,” Paulino said.

Evidence emerging in court indicated that verbal confrontation preceded the alleged physical assault. According to accounts heard, exchanges escalated after the civilian directed insulting language toward the officer — details that have yet to be formally addressed or disputed by the prosecution side.

The court also examined documentation regarding standard police administrative protocols and how internal authorities responded once reports and recordings of the incident began spreading across social media platforms.

Following review of available evidence, the bench ruled that the picture remains incomplete and called for further persons who were physically present when the clash happened to be summoned.

“The court made clear that everyone who was at the scene must appear at the next sitting so their accounts can be recorded under oath,” Paulino confirmed.

Judges also noted receiving information suggesting the alleged victim is currently accessible and issued an explicit instruction: he should be brought before proceedings where possible, to enable direct testimony and cross‑examination.

No formal comment had been issued from prosecution representatives by the close of business Thursday.

The case drew intense public attention after graphic clips were shared online, prompting civil society groups and ordinary citizens alike to call for fair, open justice and stronger oversight of conduct within organised security services.

The next hearing is fixed for Tuesday 23 June, when the court will proceed to hear from the newly listed witnesses and — if arrangements succeed — the alleged victim himself.