The Windhoek High Court heard on Monday that lawyers appointed under Legal Aid in the Fishrot corruption case are not paid for preparing for trial but only for the days they physically appear in court; this situation, defence lawyers say, makes timely trial readiness impossible.
Former Minister Sacky Shanghala has asked the High Court to halt his prosecution in the Fishrot case, pending a review of the investigation and legal processes that led to the charges.
The review application seeks to temporarily stop proceedings while the court examines the claims.
High Court Judge Marlize du Plessis has dismissed an application by Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Judge Du Plessis ruled that Shanghala failed to present exceptional circumstances that would justify granting leave to appeal.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala told the Windhoek High Court that the Namibian Police continues to disregard existing court orders by transporting inmates in overloaded vehicles without safety provisions.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala has again filed an application in the High Court seeking to halt the Fishrot trial scheduled for August 4.
The Fishrot accused will hear today if their case will continue to be heard at the Otjozondjupa Courtroom, which is situated at the Windhoek Correctional Facility.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala, along with two co-accused in the "Fishrot scandal," is determined to have Judge Moses Chinhengo removed from presiding over their case.
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa has dismissed claims that the Fishrot case is too complex for unrepresented accused, arguing that there is sufficient evidence to prove their guilt.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala has bemoaned the continued separation of the Fishrot accused at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, arguing that it hampers their ability to prepare for trial.
After years of legal hurdles and postponements, the high-profile Fishrot corruption trial is finally set to begin tomorrow, that is if there are no surprise applications to halt the scheduled proceedings.
