In a firm decision by the High Court, Judge Moses Chinhengo has once again denied requests for postponement in the plea hearing of the individuals accused in the high-profile Fishrot case.
The accused, facing the court in Windhoek, are set to respond to 42 charges of fraud, corruption, and racketeering, marking a significant development in this ongoing legal saga.
Following yesterday’s postponement, it was expected that the state would continue where it left off, putting the charges on the accused.
However, a more than 1-hour delay at the start of the hearing was a telltale sign of things to come.
Two of the defence lawyers did not show up with Florian Beukes having been booked off, while another, Mbanga Siyomunji, skipped town, as he was allegedly under the impression that the hearing was set for only one day.
Former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhardt Esau, represented by Florian Beukes, indicated to the Court that he cannot enter a plea in the absence of his lawyer.
Tamson Hatuikulipi and Nigel van Wyk informed Judge Moses Chinhengo that they were not aware that their lawyer was out of town, and therefore they too were not in a position to continue in the absence of legal representation.
Another defence lawyer, Milton Engelbrecht, appearing for accused Otneel Shuudifonya and Phillipus Mwapopi, also rose, suggesting that his clients would only be ready to plea at the end of January 2024.
However, Judge Chinhengo was not amused and was not going to allow a trial already beset with delays to be further delayed.
Whether or not the hearing will continue on Friday without any further delays, only time will tell.
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