The Fishrot corruption trial, set to commence today before High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo, has been postponed to Thursday, 6 February, due to the judge's unavailability.

High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed two motions from the Fishrot accused, Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo, who sought legal advice from the court on how to proceed with the case. 

Judge Chinhengo clarified that the court can only offer directions and not legal advice. 

Judge Moses Chinhengo has ruled that the Fishrot accused will proceed with the plea-taking, even in the absence of Bernhardt Esau's lawyer, Florian Beukes, who is on medical leave until December 22.

The Windhoek High Court is poised to announce its judgement today in response to a challenge by the Fishrot accused.

James Hatuikulipi, former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala, and two of their co-accused want High Court Judge Kobus Miller removed from the bench, citing his age.

The Fishrot scandal, in which a number of prominent personalities are implicated, has continued to make headlines since it was exposed in 2019.

Those accused in the matter are said to have misappropriated close to half a billion dollars.