Fishrot trial to resume despite suspects lacking legal representation

NAMPA

2024-08-27

WINDHOEK, 03 June 2020 – Some of the Fishrot accused during an appearance in court. (Photo by: Simon Endjala) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 27 AUG (NAMPA) - The trial of the high-profile ‘Fishrot’ corruption case will resume despite three suspects being without legal representation, a high court judge has ordered.
Judge Moses Chinhengo made the order on Tuesday, saying it is in the best interest of the administration of justice. The suspects in the matter are former justice minister Sakeus Shanghala, former fisheries minister Bernardt Esau, former Investec Asset Management Managing Director James Hatuikulipi, former Fishcor Chief Executive Officer Mike Nghipunya, Ricardo Gustavo, Pius Mwatelulo, Tamson Hatuikulipi, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi and Nigel van Wyk. They stand accused of accepting bribes from Icelandic fishing giant Samherji in exchange for fishing quotas.
The suspects were arrested in November 2019.
James Hatuikulipi, Shanghala and Mwatelulo do not have legal representation.
Judge Chinhengo also ordered that the suspects should enter pleas to the charges they face on 02 September 2024.
“Further continuation of the criminal trial will be agreed upon in consultation with the parties or directed by the court,” Chinhengo ruled.
Shanghala, Hatuikulipi and Mwatelulo submitted a joint written presentation outlining their intent to file applications, including requests to change courtrooms and challenge Chinhengo’s decision that requires unrepresented accused persons to plead. They indicated that until these issues are resolved, the trial will be halted.
They also indicated that they would be challenging the admissibility of information by the prosecutor general, arguing that it was obtained through “an unlawful investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission” and questioning the involvement of foreign authorities in the trial.
(NAMPA)
EB/AS

court fisheries Fishrot

Community

Witbooi calls for strengthened partnerships between government and churches

2026-06-17 14:58:24

OTC cracks down on illegal construction

2026-06-17 14:46:48

NamPol investigates N. dollars 1 million robbery at Okahao

2026-06-17 11:34:54

Iipinge calls for urgent investment in school sanitation and child hygiene

2026-06-16 17:04:19

State wants 18 years for fraud convicted couple

2026-06-16 16:59:13

ERONGO COMMUNITIES LOOK TO SORA FOR ANSWERS

2026-06-16 15:42:42

NaTIS on wheels launched for Omatjete

2026-06-16 14:17:42

Persons with disabilities in Kapako Constituency receive water containers

2026-06-16 10:44:02

||Kharas NamPol records 41 per cent clearance rate

2026-06-16 08:29:25

Step Up Ark advocates greater support for boy child empowerment

2026-06-16 07:45:47

City of Windhoek rolls out 10-year smart city development strategy

2026-06-15 16:59:41

Latest NAMPA photos

SWAKOPMUND, 17 June 2026 - In the Picture: Rössing Uranium is Johan Coetzee. Mining companies operating in the Erongo Region invested well over N.dollars 160 million in community development, education, healthcare and skills training over the past financial year, with Rössing Uranium alone accounting for N.dollars 73.5 million, Erongo Governor Natalia ǀGoagoses said on Wednesday. (Phot contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 17 June 2026 - Mining companies operating in the Erongo Region invested well over N.dollars 160 million in community development, education, healthcare and skills training over the past financial year, with Rössing Uranium alone accounting for N.dollars 73.5 million, Erongo Governor Natalia ǀGoagoses said on Wednesday. (Phot contributed) NAMPA

NAMPA

OMATJETE, 15 June 2026 - Senior councillor of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority Fabianus Uaseuapuani during an interview with Nampa ahead of the SORA in the Erongo Region. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

DAURES, 16 June 2026 - A signage indicating the three settlement and villages of Uis, Omatjete and Okombahe, respectively. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 16 June 2026 - Road Fund Administration’s (RFA) Executive of Information and Communication Technology, Dennis Shindume, pictured after a government information-sharing session at the Government Information Centre (GIC). (Photo: Edward Tenete) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 16 June 2026 - President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for action against child abuse on African Child Day (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

OMATJETE, 15 June 2026 - The Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) on Wheels initiative was launched at Omatjete. The initiative aims to bring essential public services directly to remote and underserved communities, reducing the burden on residents who have traditionally travelled long distances to access government services. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA