FISHROT TRIAL - 25 February 2025

Commencement of the Fishrot corruption trial before Justice Moses Chinhengo in the High Court. Sakeus 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.