Staff Reporter
THE former Minister of Justice, Sackeus Shanghala, and his co-accused, James Hatuikulipi, have filed a petition with the Supreme Court to determine the issue of the removal of Judge Marelize du Plessis.
Acting Judge du Plessis in March 2026 dismissed an application to recuse herself from the fisheries and corruption trial. The accused in the matter claimed that the judge would not preside over the trial in an impartial manner after she made a predetermination that the many interlocutory applications brought forward were a deliberate delay tactic orchestrated by the accused.
Shanghala has, however, now turned to the Supreme Court, filing a petition to have the judge removed.
During court proceedings held on 24 June 2026, lawyer Joas Neemwatya, who represents accused number eight, Otniel Shuudifonya, also said that he would bring an application to have the court mero motu release the accused persons on bail, claiming that their fair trial rights have been compromised.
“The court must invite all the parties to address the court on why the accused should not be released,” Neemwatya said.
He added that lawyers are currently unable to consult with their clients over weekends because the consultation area is locked.
“We consulted in corridors. You are not in an environment where you can confidently consult with a client,” Neemwatya argued, adding that the accused would only receive a fair trial if they were released from jail.
Judge du Plessis postponed the matter to 15 July 2026 for a follow-up on the Supreme Court petition seeking her removal.
The “Fishrot” accused—a group of Namibian former politicians and businessmen—are standing trial in connection with an alleged racketeering, corruption and money-laundering scheme involving at least N$300 million. They are accused of accepting bribes from the Icelandic fishing company Samherji in exchange for lucrative horse mackerel quotas.
After being arrested in 2019 and spending close to eight years in pre-trial detention, the matter is slated to commence in 2027, with trial dates set for January 2027.
Photos: NBC Digital News
