One of the accused in the Fishrot corruption case, Ricardo Gustavo, has indicated he will oppose an application by co-accused Otniel Shuudifonya for leave to appeal a court ruling on a trial delay.

Shuudifonya's lawyer, Joas Neemwatya, sought to delay the start of the trial by up to six months, but Judge Marelize du Plessis denied the application. Shuudifonya now wants permission to appeal that decision.

In court papers, he argues that the six-week lead time before trial is insufficient to prepare the defence. His lawyer adds that another court might deem the period too short.

The State and Ricardo Gustavo oppose the application, with Gustavo expected to file his papers by Wednesday.

Shuudifonya also raises concerns about legal aid funding, noting that the court set trial dates before resolving issues around legal aid tariffs, which could hinder defence preparations.

The matter is set for a hearing next Monday.

Emil Xamro Seibeb