Former fisheries minister Bernard Esau has urged the court to move forward with the Fishrot corruption trial without further delays, saying he wants to know his fate. Speaking to Judge Moses Chinhengo, Esau noted that while he can fund his legal defense, his assets are frozen under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), restricting his ability to do so.

Esau also asked the court to consider releasing the accused or removing their case from the roll, claiming that prolonged delays are unfair. Judge Chinhengo responded by advising Esau to file a formal application with the High Court if he seeks release, adding, “You may never know the outcome.”

Meanwhile, co-accused Pius Mwatelulo has chosen not to apply for the release of his frozen assets, citing a lack of funds for legal representation. Mwatelulo, who currently has no lawyer, plans to seek state-funded legal aid in hopes of finding an attorney to take his case.