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

Genocide descendants call for independent reparations framework on Remembrance Day

2026-05-28 15:43:10

Hai//Om San traditional leader dies at Outjo

2026-05-27 18:48:02

Youth activist says genocide should never be forgotten

2026-05-27 17:35:29

Witbooi pledges machinery support for Omusati disability project

2026-05-27 16:29:54

Kunene genocide descendants call for ‘deeper healing, historical truth’ ahead of Genocide Remembrance Day

2026-05-27 14:58:02

Tenga calls for improved electricity supply

2026-05-27 14:05:56

Cannabis smuggling accused make maiden court appearance at Katima Mulilo

2026-05-27 14:02:09

Tsumeb Municipality confirms roadworks delay

2026-05-27 09:46:29

THROUGH THE SILENT DESERT, GENOCIDE MEMORIES STILL LIVE

2026-05-26 18:00:17

Otjozondjupa to mark historic first Genocide Day commemoration at Ohamakari

2026-05-26 15:59:31

Locust outbreak reported in Hardap, Erongo

2026-05-26 12:10:14

Latest NAMPA photos

OPUWO, 28 May 2026- Director-General of the National Planning Commission Dr Kaire Mbuende addressing the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration at Opuwo in the Kunene Region. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA

OPUWO, 28 May 2026- Director-General of the National Planning Commission Dr Kaire Mbuende, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua, and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse during the Genocide Remembrance Day in Opuwo, Kunene Region. (Photo: Kaviveterue Virere) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 28 May 2026 - Chiefs of the Zeraeua and !Oe-ǂGan Traditional Authorities Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua and Gaob Immanuel ǂNu-axa ǃGâseb (l), Chairperson of the Genocide Committee in Erongo Uahimisa Kaapehi (m) and other political and traditional leaders kneel at the entrance of the Swakopmund Memorial Park to seek for permission from the ancestors before entering the cemetery, during the Ovaherero and Nama Genocide. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 28 May 2026 - Gaob Immanuel ǂNu-axa ǃGâseb of the !Oe-ǂGan Traditional Authority, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses, Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority and Former Member of Parliament (MP) Usutuaije Maamberua paying their respects to the victims of the 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama Genocide at the Swakopmund Memorial Park, during the Genocide Remembrance Day. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 28 MAY 2026 - Chiefs of the Zeraeua and !Oe-ǂGan Traditional Authorities Ombara Manase Christian Zeraeua and Gaob Immanuel ǂNu-axa ǃGâseb laying a wreath on the Ovaherero and Nama Genocide Monument at the Swakopmund Memorial Park, in remembrance of the 1904-1908 Genocide. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

OPUWO, 28 May 2026 - Senior Council Uahuna Tjiposa of the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority speaking at the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration held at Opuwo in the Kunene Region on Thursday. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

KATIMA MULILO, 27 May 2026 – Kabbe North Constituency Councilor and Chairperson of the Zambezi Regional Council Management Committee, Bernard Sisamu, speaking on behalf of the Zambezi Governor, Dorothy Kabula -Simushi at the belated World Malaria Day commemoration held at the Mukwahepo Sports Field in the Diary Compound of the Katima Mulilo Urban Constituency. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA

OPUWO, 27 May 2026 - Descendant of genocide victims, Mike Kavekotora and Stein Katupa pictured during a Government Information Centre engagement in Opuwo on Wednesday, ahead of Genocide Remembrance Day. (Photo: Contributed)

NAMPA