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TRIAL DISCUSSIONS: Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala. PHOTO: Rita Kakelo
TRIAL DISCUSSIONS: Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala. PHOTO: Rita Kakelo

Shanghala proposes 2025 trial resumption

State ready to proceed in Fishrot trial
High Court judge Moses Chinhengo will announce his decision on the resumption of the Fishrot trial later this month.
Rita Kakelo
Numerous applications by the defendants have delayed the Fishrot trial in recent months. However, High Court judge Moses Chinhengo recently stressed he would tolerate no further behaviour unrelated to the trial.

During last Friday's court proceedings, most parties were eager to schedule court dates for the resumption of the trial. Former justice minister Sacky Shanghala indicated that he would represent himself in the trial. Chinhengo also needed his input for scheduling dates.

“When are you available? Give me dates when you want this trial to proceed, Mr Shanghala," the judge said.

In response, Shanghala said he first wanted to address other issues related to two applications that Chinhengo had rejected.

“I will come, judge, but I want it to be on record that I am being prejudiced due to the lack of a prompt trial.”

2025 or 2026

The two most recent applications were brought by Shanghala and his co-defendants, James Hatuikulipi and Pius Mwatelulo, last Tuesday and were rejected on Friday. The applications concerned issues they had with the judge and certain aspects of the trial.

After an extended discussion between Shanghala and Chinhengo, Shanghala proposed that the trial be resumed only in August 2025. Mwatelula, who is also unrepresented, suggested January 2026 for further proceedings.

State prosecutor Edmund Marondedze said the State, however, is ready to proceed at any time. Chinhengo said he would set the dates and announce his decision by 27 August.



Former job performance

Tensions between Chinhengo and Shanghala escalated during Friday’s proceedings to the point where Shanghala remarked that the Namibian legal system is “in a coma.”

Chinhengo interrupted him and sought clarification on this remark.

“When you were minister of justice, what did you do about it?” Chinhengo asked.

Shanghala then went on the defensive, stating that his office had worked to ensure that people were not detained for minor offenses. He also emphasised that he was the youngest member of Cabinet at one point.

“I am now blamed by society and prison guards. They do not give enough recognition to my contributions, so I will not accept criticism,” he said.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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