The Windhoek High Court will continue to hear the matter in which two of the accused in the Fishrot corruption case are challenging their relocation within the Windhoek Correctional Facility.

Former minister Sakeus Shanghala and ex-Fishcor CEO Mike Nghipunya filed an urgent application in March last year to stop the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) from transferring them from the C-Section Unit to the general population in the Echo Unit.

Their urgent application was, however, struck from the roll.

The duo re-enrolled their application, arguing that the move to transfer them interferes with their ability to prepare for trial and violates their constitutional rights.

They claim the decision is unfair and could impact their defence in one of Namibia’s most high-profile corruption cases.

They also accuse a senior NCS official, Commissioner Ankur Kuthria, of harassment and oppressive conduct, saying the action violates their rights under the Correctional Service Act.

The accused further argue that the relocation is an attempt to frustrate their right to a fair trial, as guaranteed.

They say the move restricts their access to legal materials, making it harder to prepare their case.

In addition to stopping their transfer, they want a final court order ensuring that they receive proper health, fitness, and dietary provisions while in custody.

Another demand is enforcement of a previous court order allowing them to use personal internet dongles for trial preparations when the prison’s internet is down.

They claim authorities have ignored this order, limiting their ability to work on their defence.