Judgment on Shanghala’s Wi-Fi request set for Valentine’s Day

WINDHOEK, 30 JAN (NAMPA) - The Windhoek High Court has reserved judgment in a matter in which former Justice Minister, Sakeus Shanghala, is demanding Wi-Fi access for himself and his co-accused during their trial.
Judge Shafimana Ueitele postponed the judgment to 14 February 2025. The judgment, initially set down for Thursday morning, was not yet ready, the judge indicated.
In his application, Shanghala is further demanding electric points and ‘suitable’ tables and chairs in the courtroom, to allow them a fair trial. He also wants a lectern provided in the courtroom for himself and his co-accused.
Shanghala, along with former fisheries minister Bernard Esau, former Investec Asset Management Managing Director James Hatuikulipi, former Fishcor Chief Executive Officer Mike Nghipunya, Ricardo Gustavo, Nigel van Wyk, Pius Mwatelula, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi, and Tamson Hatuikulipi, were arrested in November 2019.
They face charges related to bribes allegedly received in exchange for fishing quotas, favouring the Icelandic fishing company Samherji.
Shanghala previously also challenged the use of metal bars in the dock, which have since been removed. He is further demanding that the court stop the taking of photos and videos of the accused behind the now-removed bars.
Shanghala has further taken issue with the courtroom in which proceedings are taking place, saying he may not receive a fair trial.
The courtroom, located at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, was previously used for the Caprivi treason trial.
“I am treated degradingly and humiliated as I am viewed as a dangerous criminal. My right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty guaranteed under Article 12 (1) (d) of the Namibian Constitution cannot survive such a view, the one where I am paraded into and out of court as a dangerous criminal from that cage like a monkey in a zoo,” Shanghala argues in court papers.
He also alleges that government meetings took place discussing the ‘Fishrot’ case.
(NAMPA)
EB/AS/EK