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

Nainda warns police graduates against misconduct and social media misuse

2026-05-22 18:51:50

Iipumbu urges police graduates to reject corruption and uphold integrity

2026-05-22 18:33:36

Kavango West convenes leadership retreat in Swakopmund

2026-05-22 12:24:26

Namibia's digital transformation still to be realised in Oshana

2026-05-22 10:05:00

Belated Firefighters' Day commemorated in Katima Mulilo

2026-05-22 09:50:05

Released offenders urged to rebuild lives through available support

2026-05-21 14:52:55

Nainda urges graduating cadets to uphold discipline and public trust

2026-05-21 13:28:10

Oshikoto NamPol records more than 500 GBV cases in one year

2026-05-20 16:50:12

First regional Genocide Remembrance Day commemorations planned

2026-05-20 16:49:19

Four Namibians appear in a Botswana court for illegal fishing

2026-05-20 09:10:24

Suspect in uncut diamond case appears in Rundu court

2026-05-20 09:07:08

Latest NAMPA photos

WINDHOEK, 22 May 2026 - Sakeus Kapenda, Deputy Director for Trade Promotion speaking the Nsmibia-China Business Forum in Windhoek on Friday, under the theme “Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.” (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 May 2026 - Charles Joseph, Acting Head of Department for Bilateral Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, speaking the Nsmibia-China Business Forum in Windhoek on Friday, under the theme “Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.” (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 May 2026 - Delegates during the Namibia-China Business Forum in Windhoek on Friday, under the theme “Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.” (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 May 2026 - Deputy Director-General, Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Yang Huaiguang, speaking at the Namibia-China Business Forum in Windhoek on Friday, under the theme “Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.” (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 22 May 2026 - Acting CEO of NIPDB, Jessica Hauuanga, speaking at the Namibia-China Business Forum in Windhoek on Friday. The forum took place under the theme “Strengthening Namibia-Shandong Economic Cooperation and Investment Partnerships.” (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 22 May 2026 - The Kavango West Regional Council is hosting a leadership retreat in Swakopmund. (Photo by: Lylie Joel) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 22 May 2026 - The Kavango West Regional Council is hosting a leadership retreat in Swakopmund, highlighting the mandate to plan, facilitate, coordinate, implement, and monitor socioeconomic development. (Photo by: Lylie Joel) NAMPA

NAMPA

OSHAKATI, 21 May 2026 - Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, speaking during the high level ICT stakeholder engagement at Oshakati on Thursday. (Photo by: Ester Hakaala) NAMPA

NAMPA