Judge Marelise du Plessis has rejected an application for her recusal in the ongoing Fishrot trial.
The recusal application was brought by accused Sacky Shangala, with James Hatuikulipi and Mike Nghipunya as co-applicants.
Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala has asked the trial judge in the Fishrot corruption case to step aside in a recusal application that was heard today.
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.
Questions have been raised over how legal aid lawyers are paid in one of the country's biggest corruption trials.
Allegations of unequal pay, unpaid legal work and special incentives for some have rocked the Ministry of Justice, as the Fishrot matter returns to court on Monday.
The Executive Director in the Ministry of Justice, Audrin Mathe, has said the ministry will issue a response on Monday following questions raised about the tariffs of the Legal Aid programme and alleged disparities in remuneration between defence lawyers and prosecutors in the Fishrot corruption trial.
As the judicial shake-up in the Fishrot corruption trial continues to spark debate, legal experts are cautioning against the misuse of foundational legal doctrines in attempts to stall justice.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala has again filed an application in the High Court seeking to halt the Fishrot trial scheduled for August 4.
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa has dismissed claims that the Fishrot case is too complex for unrepresented accused, arguing that there is sufficient evidence to prove their guilt.
Former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala has bemoaned the continued separation of the Fishrot accused at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, arguing that it hampers their ability to prepare for trial.
The Fishrot trial has been adjourned to 4 February 2025 due to ongoing legal disputes and representation issues.
Justice Moses Chinhengo urged the accused, including former ministers Sakeus Shanghala and Bernhard Esau, to secure legal representation to ensure a fair trial.
