The Former Minister of Marine Resources Bernhardt Esau asserted that Namibia and its citizens benefited from an agreement that was entered into with Angola.

Esau said this during the continuation of his bail hearing application.

The agreement between the two countries resulted in the establishment of Namgomar Pesca, a joint venture company that played a significant role in the Fishrot fishing quota fraud and corruption case.

According to state prosecutors, Namgomar Pesca was granted questionable fishing quotas during Bernhardt Esau's tenure as minister.

Another Fishrot accused, Ricardo Gustavo, testified during his bail application that he was the sole Namibian director and employee of the company.

During his testimony, Bernhardt Esau maintained that he did not personally know Ricardo Gustavo. He also stated that he was unaware if Gustavo had any involvement or interest in the fishing sector.

Esau further emphasized that Namibia benefited from the agreement, as companies granted fishing quotas were required to employ a certain percentage of Namibian citizens. 

He also informed High Court Judge David Munsu that the funds received from the agreement were utilized for developmental projects, such as the construction of roads and schools in the country.

Esau further clarified that the agreement, the agreement signed between him and his Angolan counterpart did not specify the quantity of quotas to be given to Angola. 

The former Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, along with former Justice Minister Sackey Shanghala and others, is accused of embezzling N$350 million. 

Their trial is expected to start in October of this year, and it is anticipated to be a lengthy process.