Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Defence lawyer Ileni Gebhardt argued that two applications for leave to appeal should not automatically halt the trial
“Gebhardt argued that two applications for leave to appeal against rulings given by Du Plessis in the case should not automatically halt the trial of the 10 men arraigned on charges about the alleged fraudulent and corrupt acquisition and use of Namibian fish quotas valued at more than N$150 million.”
Fishrot accused asks for trial to proceedNew Era
Ileni Gebhardt argued for main criminal trial to proceed pending interlocutory applications
“The application seeks the main criminal trial to proceed pending the outcome of two interlocutory applications.”
Fishrot stuck in starting blocksThe Namibian
Ileni Gebhardt argued that Du Plessis's remarks were not out of place
“Gustavo's defence lawyer, Ileni Gebhardt, said the remarks made by Du Plessis in her judgement on applications for a postponement of the matter were not out of place, considering the history of the matter.”
Fishrot accused says recusal bid aims to delay trialThe Namibian
Ileni Gebhardt stated the NLA condemns the attack and any attempt to intimidate legal practitioners
“She stated: "[T]he NLA unequivocally condemns this heinous act of violence and any attempt to intimidate, corrupt or silence legal practitioners in the execution of their constitutional and professional duties."”
Lawyers' organisation calls for quick investigation of fatal attack on prosecutorInformanté
Ileni Gebhardt applied for postponement for legal aid for Accused 11, a juristic entity
“She then applied for a postponement for legal aid for Accused 11, a juristic entity represented by Gustavo.”
POSTPONEDMinister Inge Zaamwani has withdrawn Rachel Nathaniel-Koch's nomination as chairperson of the Land Tribunal to protect the integrity of the appointment process, and will instead appoint Ngakumbirue Katjivena, a legal expert admitted to the High Court, to the position.
11 hours ago · The Namibian →
Minister Inge Zaamwani has withdrawn Rachel Nathaniel-Koch's nomination as chairperson of the Land Tribunal to protect the integrity of the appointment process, and will instead appoint Ngakumbirue Katjivena, a legal expert admitted to the High Court, to the position.
11 hours ago · The Namibian →
Defence lawyers for accused in the Fishrot fraud, corruption and racketeering case have argued that the trial of the 10 individuals charged should proceed while two accused pursue appeals against the judge's refusal to step down from the case.
27 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A defence lawyer representing one of ten accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial has argued to the High Court that proceedings should continue while appeals against earlier rulings are pursued, citing delays since 2021 and the constitutional right to trial within a reasonable period. Other defence lawyers largely supported the argument, though one disagreed, and the judge is scheduled to hear further oral arguments on 24 April.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Fishrot case has been postponed to 24 April 2026 as former justice minister Sakeus Shanghala pursues leave to appeal a ruling dismissing his request for Judge Marelize du Plessis to recuse herself. Ricardo Gustavo's lawyer argues the repeated delays infringe the accused's right to a speedy trial and violate constitutional rights.
16 April 2026 · New Era →
Proceedings in the high-profile corruption trial of former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and others have stalled over a disagreement about which of two competing appeals applications should be heard first—a recusal challenge or a stay-of-proceedings request. The court has adjourned until 5 May 2026 to resolve the procedural impasse.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Ricardo Gustavo, first accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption case, says a recusal application by former attorney general Sacky Shanghala and James Hatuikulipi against acting judge Marilize du Plessis is intended to delay the trial. The judge is expected to rule on the recusal application on 23 March.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Ricardo Gustavo's legal team says they will "oppose vehemently" an application by former attorney general Sacky Shanghala and co-accused James Hatuikulipi to have High Court judge Marilize du Plessis step down from the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial. Shanghala claims Du Plessis showed bias through remarks suggesting the accused were using delaying tactics, but the state is also opposing the recusal application, with arguments scheduled for 9 March.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibia Law Association has called for a thorough, independent, and expedited investigation into the death of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died on Saturday after being shot and doused with a corrosive substance in an alleged bribe-related attack at her home in October. The association's chairperson emphasized that any assault on prosecutors represents a grave attack on the administration of justice and the rule of law, and urged that accountability be pursued without delay.
9 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Fishrot case has been postponed to 4 February 2026 to arrange legal aid representation for Ricardo Gustavo's companies. Two accused, Bernard Esau and Pius Mwatelulo, were absent due to hospitalisation, and the matter was also postponed for the Court to explain Section 115 rights to unrepresented accused individuals.
28 January 2026 · Informanté →
After nearly six years, the fishing quota corruption trial in which Namibian fisheries resources were allegedly stolen through deals with Icelandic company Samherji will begin on March 9, 2026. Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis rejected multiple postponement applications from former minister Sacky Shanghala and co-accused, ruling that lengthy delays in the civil review process and years of court proceedings weighed against further delay.
22 January 2026 · New Era →