FISHROT TRIAL SEES MORE ROUNDS OF ARGUMENTS NBC Online Wed, 11/11/2026 - 17:25

The Fishrot trial in the High Court has experienced another round of arguments, with the defence accusing the State of being dismissive regarding requests for additional information about the charges against the accused individuals. The disclosure dispute centers on whether the State has given the accused enough information to understand the specific allegations against them and prepare their defence. Lawyer Ileni Gebhardt, representing Ricardo Gustavo, argued that her client should not be expected to search through thousands of documents to establish what he is specifically accused of doing. Gebhardt said the defence needs clear details about the alleged offences, including the conduct involved, the amounts concerned and how each accused is linked to the charges. She asked the court to order the state to provide the requested particulars within 21 days or identify where the relevant information appears in the disclosed documents. State Advocate Cliff Lutibezi rejected the defence's arguments and maintained that the State has already provided witness statements, documentary evidence and an indictment setting out the allegations. He argued that the prosecution has nothing to hide and has disclosed the evidence on which it intends to rely. Lutibezi further submitted that the indictment already outlines the allegations against the accused and that the defence's demands, in some instances, go beyond seeking clarification and amount to requests for additional evidence. He further argued that the State is prepared to provide clarification where necessary. At the same hearing, former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala, another accused in the matter, told the court that he is considering a fresh application to be released from custody. Shanghala cited an audio recording allegedly involving Deputy Prosecutor General Edward Marondedze and his son, saying it contains new information that could support his application. He told the court that the recording allegedly includes discussions about him and Judge Rakow, among other issues relating to the Fishrot matter. Judge Rakow indicated that she has not listened to the recording and postponed her ruling on the disclosure application to 08 December.

Continuation of the Fishrot matter before the Windhoek High Court. Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, Pius Mwatelulo, Bernardt Esau, Ricardo Gustavo, Tamson Hatuikulipi, Mike Nghipunya, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi, and Nigel van Wyk are charged with corruptly receiving payments of at least N$300 million to give the Icelandic fishing company Samherji a competitive advantage in securing access to horse mackerel quotas in Namibia. The accused face 42 counts, including racketeering, contravening the Anti-Corruption Act, conspiracy, corruptly using an offic

The controversial lawman Maren de Klerk is back in court today in the matter where he is attempting to prevent the Prosecutor-General from seizing his pension of N$1.3 million held with Sanlam. The annuity reached its maturity in January 2024, but Sanlam has informed him that the state is seeking the [...] The post Fishrot-implicated lawyer Maren de Klerk fights to keep his N$1.3 million pension appeared first on Future Media News.

The High Court in Windhoek turns its attention back to the high-profile Fishrot trial today as key co-accused appear for a scheduled status hearing before Justice Eileen Rakow. During their last court session in mid-October, arguments centered on a pre-trial application submitted by Ricardo Gustavo. Through his defense counsel Ileni Gebhardt, [...] The post ishrot trial returns to High Court for status hearing appeared first on Future Media News.

The Hidden Cost of Fishrot: We Are Still Paying. Part 2  The Namibian

The Judiciary has confirmed that Acting Judge Marelize du Plessis is no longer assigned to the multi-million-dollar Fishrot corruption case, with trial dates yet to be determined. Responding to an inquiry by the NBC, Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango revealed that Du Plessis’s acting appointment ended on July 31st, after which she [...] The post Du Plessis leaves Fishrot bench appeared first on Future Media News.

Renthia Kaimbi Deputy Prosecutor General Edmund Marondedze allegedly unknowingly recorded himself criticising judges and disclosing purportedly confidential conversations with Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa about the Fishrot case before sharing the recording in a WhatsApp group for prosecutors. The voice note was allegedly posted at approximately 22:08 on 5 October 2026 and subsequently deleted. It reportedly […]

-Police are investigating the deaths of 34-year-old Kamilla Tracey Riekerts, found with multiple stab wounds in her ex-boyfriend’s flat in Otjiwarongo, and her ex-boyfriend, Jovin Godwin Diergaardt, who later died in a separate incident near Swakopmund. The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain unclear. -The Fishrot case faces further uncertainty following the end of Acting Judge Marelize du Plessis’s term, with the main trial judge yet to be identified and trial dates still unconfirmed. Judge Eileen Rakow is scheduled to hear an application by accused Ricardo Gustavo on 11 November. -Namibia has recorded no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases, and the Ministry of Health says the risk to the public remains limited. Authorities have strengthened preparedness measures, including screening at points of entry and training health workers, while urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information. -Russia has offered African countries expertise in emerging technologies and 5,500 scholarships for the 2027–2028 academic year. Namibia and Russia have also agreed to strengthen customs cooperation through information sharing, staff training and technology exchange to facilitate legitimate trade and combat illegal activities. That’s the News in Brief, with Cecilia Adeigbo. #NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp

Renthia Kaimbi Deputy Prosecutor General Edmund Marondedze allegedly unknowingly recorded himself criticising judges and disclosing purportedly confidential conversations with Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa about the Fishrot case before sharing the recording in a WhatsApp group for prosecutors. The voice note was allegedly posted at approximately 22:08 on 5 October 2026 and subsequently deleted. It reportedly captures a speaker attributed to Marondedze discussing the prosecution of former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, bail applications by Fishrot accused and tensions among senior officials in the justice system. The recording contains remarks about white judges and suggestions that the justice system is working against the accused, raising questions about prosecutorial impartiality and public confidence in the judiciary. Information seen by the Windhoek Observer indicates that the recording was allegedly circulated in the prosecutors’ group by Marondedze before being deleted. The newspaper understands that Marondedze may have unknowingly recorded himself during a conversation with his son, who was reportedly admitted as a legal practitioner less than a year ago. The circumstances surrounding the recording and its circulation could not independently be established. The Office of the Judiciary declined to comment, while Imalwa could not be reached for comment. Sources, however, indicated that she had confronted Marondedze about the matter. In the recording, the speaker makes direct reference to Shanghala’s prosecution, saying: “I’ll prosecute him… I’m doing my job.” The speaker also alludes to past disagreements between Shanghala and Imalwa, suggesting that the former attorney general should have dismissed Imalwa when he had the opportunity because she is now in a position to prosecute him. The remarks raised questions about whether personal or professional tensions could influence perceptions of the prosecution. The recording alone, however, does not establish that Shanghala is being prosecuted out of personal animosity. Shanghala is among the accused in the high-profile Fishrot corruption case involving alleged corruption linked to Namibia’s fishing industry. The voice note also discusses Marondedze’s role in Ricardo Gustavo’s bail-related appeal, while expressing support for granting bail to some of the accused because of the length of time they have spent in custody. “To prosecute them, I’ll prosecute them but I’ll give them bail,” the voice is allegedly heard saying. The speaker refers specifically to former fisheries minister Bernard Esau, describing him as elderly and suggesting that he should be released on bail. The remarks appear to distinguish between prosecuting the accused and whether they should remain in custody while awaiting trial. The speaker then suggests that the accused face an uphill battle regardless of the quality of their legal representation, claiming that the broader system is against them. The recording further contains remarks suggesting that white judges command greater respect in court because they speak with one voice, before calling a judge racist. Separately, the speaker questioned the appointment and suitability of acting High Court judge Gladice Pickering, alleging that political connections influenced her career progression. Pickering previously served as a senior magistrate before holding senior administrative positions in the justice system and moving to the Office of the Prime Minister. The voice note alleges that her previous experience did not adequately prepare her for the demands of High Court adjudication, claiming she had limited exposure to certain procedures and required training after her appointment. The speaker further alleges that Pickering initially faced resistance to a permanent appointment. Additional claims suggest that her advancement received political backing and further insinuate that she is related to newly appointed Anti-Corruption Commission director Bryan Eiseb. The alleged relationship, and any influence it may have had on appointment decisions, could not independently be confirmed. Marondedze has denied responsibility for the recording, questioning its authenticity and suggesting that technology could have been used to fabricate the conversation. “I’m not aware of anything of that sort. It has never originated from me. Even you yourself, do you think a person of my stature can have such a conversation?” he asked. “Nowadays with technology, anything can happen. You should find out where it originated from because it was definitely not from me.” He also denied posting the voice note in the prosecutors’ group. “I’m thousands of kilometers away and everyone is calling and asking me about this (recording) whose contents I don’t know. I never posted anything on the prosecutors’ group,” he said.

Fishrot accused ask state for more details on charges  The Namibian -

[Namibian] The first accused in the Fishrot fraud, corruption and racketeering case, Ricardo Gustavo, and a company represented by him have given notice that they will be asking the High Court to order the state to provide them with more details on the charges they are facing.

FISHROT CASE AWAITS SUPREME COURT HEARING NBC Online Mon, 10/19/2026 - 19:11

Accused Sacky Shanghala and others in the alleged Fishrot corruption matter are awaiting a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for 8 December. The accused are challenging the appointment of the late Judge Moses Chinhengo and the validity of proceedings conducted before him, which are expected to be considered. The accused petitioned the court, arguing that Chinhengo's appointment was irregular and wanting the criminal proceedings to start afresh.  Shanghala is also seeking to have the plea entered before the late judge declared it null and void. Meanwhile, Shanghala is still waiting for a decision from the Supreme Court on his petition concerning the recusal of acting High Court judge Marelize du Plessis. Du Plessis has not presided over today's proceeding and has not appeared on the court roll for several weeks. Shanghala has also pursued a separate civil matter in which he is seeking to have the Fishrot criminal proceedings placed on hold.  Judgement in that matter is scheduled for 3 February next year. The outcome of the pending applications could affect the further progress of the criminal case. During the proceedings, the lawyer representing former Fisheries Minister Bernhardt Esau raised concerns about the conditions under which his client is transported to and from court. The lawyer told the court that his client is being transported in a metal van and said that the conditions are unsuitable for his current medical condition. He asked that Esau should instead be transported in a sedan vehicle or a bus, taking into account his age and medical condition. The lawyer further argued that Esau does not pose a risk to police officers and could travel in the same bus as the officers. The state responded that transport arrangements fall under the responsibility of the police and prison authorities. Before postponing the matter for argument on a matter brought by Ricardo Gustavo, Judge Eileen Rakow said she is not the trial judge and said that the trial dates set for the actual criminal trial will remain. Gustavo, through his lawyer Ileni Gebhartdt, applied that the State provide further particulars regarding some of the charges. Gustavo's application will be heard on 11 November.

Patience Makwele A lawyer representing former fisheries minister Bernard Esau has asked the High Court to arrange alternative transport for his client, arguing that travelling in the back of a police van is unsuitable for his age and medical condition. Florian Beukes of Metcalfe Beaukes law firm made the request during the ‘Fishrot’ case proceedings […]

Patience Makwele A lawyer representing former fisheries minister Bernard Esau has asked the High Court to arrange alternative transport for his client, arguing that travelling in the back of a police van is unsuitable for his age and medical condition. Florian Beukes of Metcalfe Beaukes law firm made the request during the ‘Fishrot’ case proceedings in Windhoek on Monday, asking that Esau be transported to and from court in a bus or suitable sedan. Beukes told the court that Esau’s treating doctor had recommended an alternative vehicle because of the seating conditions in the van ordinarily used to transport accused persons. “The referring treating doctor has advised that he should be transported by means of a bus or a suitable sedan,” Beukes told the court. He said the request was limited to Esau’s journeys to and from court and asked that the authorities consider a vehicle with ordinary seating. Esau, 69, is one of the accused in the Fishrot case, which centers on alleged corruption and the allocation of fishing quotas. The State said it needed to obtain instructions from the police and prison authorities before responding to the request. A State representative told the court that the transportation of accused persons involved logistical arrangements handled by police and correctional officials. Judge Eileen Rakow did not issue a binding order directing the authorities to provide a sedan or bus. Instead, she suggested an interim arrangement while the matter was being clarified. “I would ask the police, if possible, if Mr Esau can just sit in front of the bakkie for now, until this is dealt with, until we sort this out,” Rakow said. She emphasised that the suggestion was not a binding decision and asked that the feasibility of accommodating Esau in a normal seat be explored in the meantime. The transport issue was left for further consideration. The court also dealt with outstanding procedural matters in the Fishrot case, with the next hearing on an application for further particulars scheduled for 11 November 2026 at 09:00. The application involves Ricardo Gustavo and a company he represents, who are seeking further particulars from the State regarding charges in the case. The court directed parties wishing to bring or participate in similar applications to indicate their positions and file any additional applications by 22 October. The State must file its answering papers by 28 October, while applicants must submit responding papers by 2 November. Applicants’ heads of argument are due by 6 November, with the State’s submissions due by 7 November. Rakow said further directions on the remaining trial dates would be considered after the applications were heard. The court also authorised a warrant for accused Nigel van Wyk, who is on bail, after he failed to appear. He is required to return on 11 November, with the judge warning that failure to appear could result in his bail being cancelled and the warrant being executed. The existing trial dates remain in place for now, pending further directions from the court.

Continuation of the Fishrot matter before the Windhoek High Court. Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, Pius Mwatelulo, Bernardt Esau, Ricardo Gustavo, Tamson Hatuikulipi, Mike Nghipunya, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi, and Nigel van Wyk are charged with corruptly receiving payments of at least N$300 million to give the Icelandic fishing company Samherji a competitive advantage in securing access to horse mackerel quotas in Namibia. The accused face 42 counts, including racketeering, contravening the Anti-Corruption Act, conspiracy, corruptly using an office to receive gratification, fraud, theft, money laundering, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

-Nearly four years after 80-year-old Elina Samuel was raped and murdered near Omuthiya, no suspect has been arrested. Her family is demanding answers as police say investigations are ongoing. -Legal challenges continue to delay progress in the Fishrot case, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments on 8 December regarding proceedings before the late Judge Moses Chinhengo. The trial dates remain unchanged. -Young Namibians are exploring opportunities in the green economy through a forum hosted by the University of Namibia Physics Society and SASSCAL, connecting students with industry experts and emerging sectors such as green hydrogen. -An AI researcher has warned that strict artificial intelligence regulations could leave developing countries dependent on expensive foreign technology, calling for greater access to open-source systems alongside stronger safety measures and transparency. That’s the News in Brief, with Cecilia Adeigbo. #NBCNews #nbcdigitalnews #nbcDSTV282 #nbcGOtv20 #nbcPlusApp

The Hidden Cost of Fishrot  The Namibian -

[Namibian] FOUR of the individuals charged in the Fishrot fraud, corruption and racketeering case are due to hear by early February next year if they have had success with an attempt to stop the prosecutor general from continuing to prosecute them.

Staff Reporter BUSINESSMAN James Hatuikulipi has brought forth an urgent application to overturn a judgment which led to the auctioning of his Finkenstein property. Hatuikulipi and several others were arrested in 2019 in relation to the “Fishrot” scandal, standing trial in connection with an alleged racketeering, corruption and money-laundering scheme involving at least N$300 million. They are accused of accepting bribes from the Icelandic fishing company Samherji in exchange for lucrative horse mackerel quotas. In the current application lodged in August 2026, Hatuikulipi claims that he has stumbled upon new facts detailing documents that showed that invoices were paid to settle levies on his Finkenstein property, and that despite this, his property was auctioned. Hatuikulipi, in his application, referenced several payments from June to September 2026 made on his behalf to clear the account by a business partner. “Yet what exacerbates the entire situation is that even when arrangements were presented to settle the account, the legal representatives of Finkenstein Homeowners Association chose, whether intentionally or through some inadvertence, to not honour the commitment they made and take my business partner up on the commitment he made. Instead, they went on to take steps to make the dispossession of property more likely than. To me, this is simply reprehensible,” Hatuikulipi claimed. In response, Hellmut Gottlob von Ludwiger, the Chairperson of the Finkenstein Homeowners Association, said that it is too late as the property has already been auctioned off. “In the main case…the Finkenstein Homeowners Association issued summons against the defendant Hatuikulpi and/or ‘Sinco Investments 15 (Pty) Ltd’ for payment of arrears monthly levies, power and water consumption, interest and penalty charges and costs on the attorney and client scale. Summons was served on the person in charge at the company’s registered address and at its physical address. No appearance to defend was entered and default judgment was granted on 31 October 2023,” Ludwiger said. He added that a writ of execution for movables was issued and that a Rule 108 application was brought in respect of the company’s vacant 12-erf property and, on 12 April 2024, the property was declared to be specially executable. A writ of execution against immovable property was issued and the immovable property was sold at auction on 22 July 2024. Ludwiger further stated that on 12 March 2026, the Court found that the sale in execution was not affected by the POCA proceedings and remained valid and binding, and that it could not be said to have been erroneously sought or granted, as envisaged in Rule 103(1)(a). “The default judgment can also not be rescinded under Rule 16 simply because the company in fact owes and does not dispute that it owes the debt in respect of which the default judgment was granted. The company can therefore not satisfy the requirement to show that it has a bona fide defence to the claim in respect of which default judgment was granted,” Ludwiger said. He added that Hatuikulipi’s business partner, a certain Izak Moller, did liaise with the Finkenstein Homeowners Association’s legal practitioner, Mr Marais, by email and loosely intimated that he would make periodic or monthly payments towards the outstanding levy account of the company, Sinco Investments 115 (Pty) Ltd. He, however, said that payments were not made and that it was the only [payment], and so the sale in execution proceeded. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In other words, Mr Moller did not make any of the payments he undertook to make and so the sale in execution proceeded. At the date of the sale in execution, the amount outstanding was N$183,718.89,” Ludwiger said. Photo: File The post Hatuikulipi seeks to regain auctioned Finkenstein Estate property appeared first on Informanté.