Fishrot accused Tamson Hatuikulipi vehemently denied that he is corrupt when he appeared in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday for another bail application.

Hatuikulipi approached the court for a bail application based on new facts, making this his third attempt.

During cross-examination by State Prosecutor Hesekiel Iipinge, Hatuikulipi said he is innocent and should be released on bail so he can start businesses in order to make money and afford his legal fees.

He also said he should be released so he could spend time with his family. His children, he said, are allowed to visit him twice a month. “As a father, I am sure you know that this is not enough time to spend with your children,” he argued.

He is charged alongside former justice minister Sakeus Shanghala, his father-in-law Bernhardt Esau, his cousin, former Investec Asset Management director and former Fishcor chairperson James Hatuikulipi, former Fishcor CEO Mike Nghipunya, Ricardo Gustavo, Nigel van Wyk, Pius Mwatelula, Otneel Shuudifonya, and Phillipus Mwapopi.

The suspects are accused of receiving bribes from Icelandic fishing company Samherji in exchange for fishing quotas. They were arrested in November 2019 on charges including bribery, racketeering, money laundering, and tax evasion.

“I’m not a money launderer; those are just allegations,” Hatuikulipi said in court.

Responding to the prosecutor’s assertion that no businessman would want to associate with him, Hatuikulipi indicated that although he will not mention names for fear of victimisation, a number of businessmen would still want to enter into business with him, despite the charges he faces.

“You are speculating. Give me bail with conditions, and we will see,” Hatuikulipi argued, adding that he has not committed any crimes since his incarceration.

“Of course you didn’t. There is no way you would because you are incarcerated, you don’t have access to fishing quotas, and your father-in-law is also in jail. You do not have access to Fishcor anymore; the former chairman James Hatuikulipi is arrested, and so is the former CEO Nghipunya, whom you knew,” Iipinge countered.

The suspects in the matter, except Van Wyk, were previously denied bail because they were a flight risk, as well as because of the public interest and the seriousness of the matter.

Judge David Munsu presided, while Mbanga Siyomunji represented Hatuikulipi.