Former Minister of Justice Sacky Shanghala and his co-accused in the high-profile Fishrot corruption trial have been permitted to present their case from the lecterns and attorney's desk in court rather than from the dock, which Shanghala has described as a "cage."

This decision by Judge Moses Chinhengo comes after the removal of burglar bars from the courtroom, a prior point of contention for Shanghala.

Despite this change, Shangala continued to voice complaints, citing the restrictive nature of the dock and arguing that it hindered his ability to effectively prepare for and participate in his defence.

Shanghala recently filed an application under Section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Act, demanding his release from what he characterised as a cage during proceedings. 

Judge Moses Chinhengo’s accommodation, allowing the accused to use the lecterns and attorney’s desk, aims to address these grievances.

Meanwhile, the application for the separation of trial, a key motion raised by Shanghala and his co-accused, is now being heard. 

This application, if successful, could lead to distinct trials for different aspects and accused persons, as in the "Fishrot" case.