The ongoing Fishrot corruption trial has seen increasing divisions among accused persons, with state lawyers arguing that delays are not solely due to the accused but also their own legal maneuvers.

Ricardo Gustavo, one of the accused, has criticized multiple delays. However, the state points out that Gustavo himself sought delays early in the proceedings to secure legal representation and filed an application to remove the former presiding judge, Justice Miller — moves contributing to the trial's postponements since 2021.

Former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau and most other accused, except Otniel Shuudifonya, support Gustavo’s position. Yet Esau’s legal team insists the trial should proceed regardless of pending applications, warning that halting proceedings for every challenge will deepen delays.

Judge Marelize du Plessis is expected to hear further arguments this Friday and rule on Shanghala’s leave to appeal in early May. She will also consider lawyer Joas Neemwata’s application to postpone the trial for an additional five to six months.