Fishrot trial to begin in December

The Fishrot defendants are expected to plead on the 40 charges they face on 5 December when their trial begins.All the accused appeared in the Windhoek High Court yesterday before Judge Moses Chinhengo, and although not all the accused are ready to start the trial, as was discussed during a previous court appearance, Chinhengo said they must plead on this date - whether they are ready or not.The long-awaited trial was initially supposed to start in October, but was postponed. During the last court appearance on 17 October, parties indicated that they would probably only be able to start in January 2024. However, the start of the hearing was moved to an earlier date yesterday.The recent delays have been caused by the defendants&#039; lack of legal representation and challenges in accessing funds to pay for their private lawyers.The majority of the accused applied for legal aid and thus obtained representation. Others have brought applications under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) in their case to gain access to some of their assets so that they can use them to pay their private lawyers. This application has not yet been completed.One of the accused, Ricardo Gustavo, indicated yesterday that he will represent himself in the criminal proceedings.Gustavo and his co-accused, James Hatuikulipi, Tamson Hatuikulipi, Pius Mwatelulo, Nigel van Wyk, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi, Bernhardt Esau, Sacky Shanghala and Mike Nghipunya, are in custody at the Windhoek Central Prison.- kristien@republikein.com.na

Fishrot trial to begin in December

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-08

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Fishrot trial to begin in December

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-08

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