The Fishrot trial took another turn today as Judge Moses Chinhengo scheduled the hearing of former Justice Minister Sakeus Shanghala's interlocutory application for September 13, 2024. 

This application seeks to separate Shanghala's case from that of his co-accused, potentially further delaying the main trial.

During the proceedings, the court also pressed Shanghala for an estimate of how long he would need to prepare for the main trial, including securing legal representation.

Shanghala suggested that it could take him up to eight months to review the paperwork and at least 11 months to address the case involving the release of his frozen assets and his application for the government to fund a lawyer of his choice.

Additionally, he stated that any lawyer he enlists would require time to study the case before it could proceed, though he expressed uncertainty and hesitancy in providing a clear timeline.

This admission raises the possibility of significant delays in the already protracted Fishrot trial, as the court now faces the challenge of balancing the accused's right to adequate preparation with the need to advance the case.

The upcoming hearing on the interlocutory application will be crucial in determining the next steps in this legal battle.