PG appealing Esau’s access to frozen assets

NAMPA

2024-09-04

WINDHOEK, 04 September 2024 - Former Fisheries Minister, Bernardt Esau pictured with lawyer Florian Beukes at the Windhoek High Court. (Photo by: Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 04 SEP (NAMPA) - Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa has lodged an appeal in the Supreme Court, contesting a High Court ruling that granted former Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Bernhardt Esau, access to his frozen assets.
The order permits Esau to use funds from his frozen accounts to pay for legal representation.
This information was disclosed by his lawyer, Florian Beukes, on Wednesday.
Beukes informed the presiding judge, Moses Chinhengo, that his client would be joining former Justice Minister, Sakeus Shanghala in an application seeking to separate him, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo from the main criminal trial until they can secure legal representation.
The men are implicated in a corruption scandal involving the Icelandic fishing company Samherji and are accused, among other charges, of receiving bribes in exchange for fishing quotas.
Shanghala is seeking a separation to allow him time to secure a lawyer without prejudicing his co-accused, who are ready to proceed with the trial.
Arrested in November 2019, the suspects are charged alongside Tamson Hatuikulipi, Mike Nghipunya, Nigel van Wyk, Ricardo Gustavo, Otneel Shuudifonya and Phillipus Mwapopi.
Beukes indicated that he has been representing Esau for free over the past three years and is now in a difficult position due to Imalwa’s appeal in the Supreme Court. He stated that he would continue to represent Esau on a pro bono basis but is uncertain whether he will withdraw as his lawyer in the main criminal trial.
“That brings us to square one. We are unable to say whether or not we will withdraw. However, we will file our notice to oppose the appeal in the Supreme Court today. This will leave us in a state of uncertainty. We do not know, and we cannot predict how long the Supreme Court will take or whether we will succeed in the appeal,” Beukes said.
In July, Judge Beatrix de Jager ordered that N.dollars 3.5 million be released from Esau’s frozen assets to pay for future and outstanding legal fees. The money was to be paid into the Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys’ account. Judge Chinhengo has scheduled the hearing for 13 September 2024.
(NAMPA)
EB/HP/AS

fisheries court

Community

Man arrested for allegedly raping 15-year-old girl

2026-08-17 14:11:42

Partly commitee calls for urgent overhaul of small-scale mining sector

2026-08-16 11:38:30

Partly commitee calls for urgent overhaul of small-scale mining sector

2026-08-16 11:38:07

Gobabis Municipality sets deadline for outstanding accounts

2026-08-15 19:54:58

Market access, regulatory reforms top small-scale mining plights

2026-08-15 13:48:58

Otavi murder suspect allegedly commits suicide by shooting

2026-08-15 13:48:26

Repatriation of liberation struggle remains offers nation closure: Gaeb

2026-08-14 16:36:46

Hardap youth encouraged to tap into government opportunities

2026-08-14 10:19:12

Small-scale miners seek government intervention on licences, equipment

2026-08-14 10:09:20

Kunene commemorates World Day against Trafficking in Persons

2026-08-14 08:22:07

Operation ZAKAWE a success: Commissioner Sakuwa-Neo

2026-08-13 09:27:35

Latest NAMPA photos

/KHOICHAS, 14 August 2026 - Namibia’s independence was a collective victory. The southern regions of Hardap and ||Karas were central to the struggle, anchored by local churches that risked everything to shelter PLAN fighters and educate the future leaders of our nation. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

HOACHANAS, 12 August 2026 - Historian and liberation struggle icon Markus Kooper, in collaboration with the Hoachanas community, has established a community library to preserve the history of the southern region, including the Red Clan history and past freedom struggle events. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

GIBEON, 13 August 2026 - The African Methodist Episcopal Private Community School (AMEPS) in Gibeon was a significant community-operated institution founded by the AME Church and local leaders, including Hendrik Witbooi, during the fight for freedom. It ceased operations and was integrated into the state school system in 2007. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

/KHOICHAS, 14 August 2026 - Jacqueline Juliana Rukamba, a former principal at Khoichas Primary School in the Karas region, significantly contributed to Namibia's independence, particularly in education, during the 1970s and 1980s. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

GIBEON, 13 August 2026 – The African Methodist Episcopal Private Community School (AMEPS) in Gibeon was a significant community-operated institution founded by the AME Church and local leaders, including Hendrik Witbooi, during the fight for freedom. It ceased operations and was integrated into the state school system in 2007. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

GIBEON, 13 August 2026 – Gaob Salomon Josephat Witbooi, former Namibian ambassador to Zambia, reflected on the southern region's contribution to Namibia's struggle for independence during a discussion with Nampa's team. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 15 August 2026 - South Africa’s Kelsey Jade van Schoor (in green) during the 2026 Pupkewitz Megabuild Tour de Windhoek. She was crowned the overall champion of the 2026 women’s category. (Photo by: Hesron Kapanga) NAMPA

NAMPA