Former Fisheries Minister Bernard Esau and that of Justice Sackeus Shangala have been declared persona non grata in the United States, because of their alleged involvement in the Fishrot corruption scandal. The US embassy in Namibia in a statement issued this afternoon made the announcement saying the decision was taken in terms of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act which renders the two ineligible for entry into the United States. According to the United States, the two engaged in alleged corrupt activities that undermined the rule of law and the Namibian public's faith in their government's democratic institutions and public processes, including using their political influence and personal power for their personal benefit. Esau's wife Swamma Esau and son, Philippus Esau, as immediate family members, are also barred from entering the United States, the statement says. The decision, the embassy says, demonstrates the US' commitment to supporting anti-corruption reforms that are key to Namibia's successful future. The two former ministers, together with seven other co-accused, are in police custody awaiting trial in Namibia's high-profile multi-million dollar corruption and money laundering case.