Fishrot trial to resume despite suspects lacking legal representation

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