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

Sankwasa orders emergency action as sinkholes worsen in Rundu’s Tutungeni area

2026-01-22 18:24:23

ACC arrests two officials in Ohangwena corruption cases

2026-01-22 18:12:47

Sunshine Centre receives N.dollars 100 000 donation

2026-01-22 17:17:52

Security guards stage peaceful demonstration in Katima Mulilo

2026-01-22 15:49:24

Tribalism undermining Namibia’s unity and development - Sankwasa

2026-01-22 15:44:22

Oshana records drop in festive season crime rate

2026-01-22 15:32:37

Nekundi rejects placement of proposed Katima Mulilo Weighbridge

2026-01-22 07:17:26

Namibia and Japan seek deeper economic ties as Ashipala-Musavyi meets Japanese counterpart

2026-01-21 18:47:41

Oshikoto Governor pays respects to late Hishoono

2026-01-21 17:11:35

Erongo governor calls for discipline and quality service delivery

2026-01-21 15:20:07

Fishrot trial to resume in March after court rejects further delays

2026-01-21 14:50:57

Latest NAMPA photos

OUTJO, 22 January 2026 - SummerJive tournament organisers Bonny Haeseb, Macdonald Tjaritje and Daniel Hafeni. The tournament is set to take place at the Etoshapoort Sports Stadium in Outjo on 29 and 30 August. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

OSHAKATI- 22 January 2026 - The Oshana Police Regional Commander, Naftal Lungameni Sakaria pictured during his new year address and the launch of Operation Ndjadila at the regional headquarters in Oshakati on Thursday. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 January 2026 - Nanso's Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Lavinia Leonard, speaking at a press conference in Windhoek. (Photo by: Edward Tenete) NAMPA

NAMPA

OTJIWARONGO, 22 January 2026 - Sports officer in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Jeaneth Kaundje talks about the Under-20 football trials set to take place on Saturday at the Mokoati Sports Stadium. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA

DAVOS, 21 January 2026 - Director-General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Kaire Mbuende, addressed a high-level session on ‘The Future of Nuclear Energy in Africa’ at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 22 January 2026 - Security guards from various firms staged a peaceful demonstration at Katima Mulilo on Thursday to demand higher wages and an end to alleged labour exploitation. (Photo by: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 22 January 2026 - Lorna Shalyefu, the acting administration head at the regional office of the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, receives a petition from security guards from various firms who staged a peaceful demonstration at Katima Mulilo on Thursday. (Photo by: Michael Mutonga Liswaniso) NAMPA

NAMPA

GROOTFONTEIN, 21 January 2026 - The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Service, Nono Katjingisiua pictured at Kombat Clinic on Wednesday. (Photo by: Mulisa Simiyasa) NAMPA

NAMPA