The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations says it does not wish to be drawn into commenting on the remuneration of individual public prosecutors amid allegations raised in the Windhoek High Court over pay disparities in the Fishrot corruption trial.

Executive Director Dr. Audrin Mathe said the remuneration of state prosecutors is governed by the Public Service Staff Rules, which allow for special incentives under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.

He explained that the process may be invoked when the need arises, but the ministry would not comment on the salaries of specific officials.

Mathe was responding to questions following questions by NBC News after the broadcaster received an anonymous letter regarding the payment of legal aid-appointed lawyers for the Fishrot matter.

On Monday, defense lawyers appointed under legal aid told the High Court they are not paid for trial preparation but only for the days they physically appear in court.

The issue was raised during an application made by former Justice Minister and accused Sacky Shanghala to postpone the trial.

Dr Mathe said Legal Aid tariffs are prescribed and regulated by the Legal Aid Act of 1990 and its accompanying regulations.

He stressed that the framework and fee structure for legal aid are determined by legislation and are a separate matter from the remuneration of public prosecutors employed by the state.

However, Dr. Mathe noted that Legal Aid tariffs are reviewed from time to time based on needs and available budgetary allocations and are therefore not unlimited.

He added that legal practitioners instructed by Legal Aid enter into a contractual arrangement to work within the prescribed tariffs, despite the acknowledged financial constraints.

The Fishrot matter involves thousands of disclosures and over 300 witnesses