The Fishrot corruption trial, set to commence today before High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo, has been postponed to Thursday, 6 February, due to the judge's unavailability.

Former Minister of Justice Sacky Shanghala and his co-accused in the high-profile Fishrot corruption trial have been permitted to present their case from the lecterns and attorney's desk in court rather than from the dock, which Shanghala has described as a "cage."

The Fishrot trial took another turn today as Judge Moses Chinhengo scheduled the hearing of former Justice Minister Sakeus Shanghala's interlocutory application for September 13, 2024. 

High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed two motions from the Fishrot accused, Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo, who sought legal advice from the court on how to proceed with the case. 

Judge Chinhengo clarified that the court can only offer directions and not legal advice. 

Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed Sacky Shanghala's application, paving the way for the Fishrot scandal's main trial to proceed, though not without challenges, such as the right to legal representation and possible appeals.

Lawyer Mbanga Siyoumunji, who is representing the Fishrot accused, Nigel van Wyk, says his client has exhausted all avenues regarding the recusal of Judge Moses Chinhengo.

Judge Moses Chinhengo has ruled that the Fishrot accused will proceed with the plea-taking, even in the absence of Bernhardt Esau's lawyer, Florian Beukes, who is on medical leave until December 22.

In a firm decision by the High Court, Judge Moses Chinhengo has once again denied requests for postponement in the plea hearing of the individuals accused in the high-profile Fishrot case.

Acting High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed an application by Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala and his co-accused to postpone their case for up to eight months.

Judge Chinhengo did not entertain Shanghala's application, ordering the former Justice Minister and his co-accused to enter a plea.