Also known as: Gustavo
Ricardo Gustavo — first accused in the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial, opposing co-accused recusal applications against the judge.
High Court judge Marilize du Plessis has accepted late-filed arguments by Ricardo Gustavo opposing an application by co-accused Sackeus Shanghala to recuse her from the Fishrot trial. Gustavo argues that Shanghala has not shown evidence of bias, while Shanghala contends that Gustavo's lawyer is not ready for trial, citing scheduling conflicts.
9 March 2026 · Informanté →
High Court judge Marilize du Plessis has accepted late-filed arguments by Ricardo Gustavo opposing an application by co-accused Sackeus Shanghala to recuse her from the Fishrot trial. Gustavo argues that Shanghala has not shown evidence of bias, while Shanghala contends that Gustavo's lawyer is not ready for trial, citing scheduling conflicts.
9 March 2026 · Informanté →
Legal experts say engaging senior private practitioners to prosecute the Fishrot fraud case would cost the government at least N$6 million annually, far more than the state advocates currently handling it—though prosecutors benefit from job security and pension entitlements unavailable in private practice.
26 February 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 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 →