The Windhoek Correctional Facility has initiated another attempt to separate multiple Fishrot accused, who are currently housed together in the same unit.
 
The move comes weeks after the High Court found that the facility acted incorrectly by relocating them unilaterally.
 
Prison authorities now say housing several "high-profile" awaiting-trial inmates together presents security and operational risks.
 
The facility's officer-in-charge informed the accused that he intends to transfer them from the current single cells to the communal E-Section of the correctional facility.
 
Earlier this month, the High Court ruled that correctional authorities had acted unlawfully when they previously moved the accused without first giving them an opportunity to make representations.
 
The court held that the decision did not comply with principles of procedural fairness.
 
In response to that ruling, the facility has now written to each of the accused, setting out the reasons for the contemplated relocation and inviting them to respond within seven days.
 
According to the notice, the proposed separation is based on security classification and the need to ensure effective management within the prison.
 
Authorities argue that keeping multiple high-profile inmates together increases the risk of unauthorized communication and coordination and may place strain on staffing and surveillance resources.
 
The facility further maintains that the relocation is administrative rather than punitive and does not amount to disciplinary action. It also assures the accused that the move will not interfere with their right to prepare for trial, including access to legal representatives and consultation facilities.
 
The Fishrot accused have previously challenged attempts to separate them, arguing that such moves could affect their ability to consult and coordinate their legal defense.