Judge Moses Chinhengo has ruled that the Fishrot accused will proceed with the plea-taking, even in the absence of Bernhardt Esau's lawyer, Florian Beukes, who is on medical leave until December 22.

Despite the defense's concerns raised by lawyer Mbanga Siyomunji that his decision could be prejudicial, Chinhengo affirmed the decision, maintaining that the plea-taking will move forward.

It was a busy day in the Windhoek High Court as one of the Fishrot accused, Sacky Shanghala, suffered another blow.

The Windhoek High Court is poised to announce its judgement today in response to a challenge by the Fishrot accused.

James Hatuikulipi, former Justice Minister Sacky Shanghala, and two of their co-accused want High Court Judge Kobus Miller removed from the bench, citing his age.

They assert that President Hage Geingob contravened Article 82 of the Namibian Constitution when he confirmed Justice Miller’s appointment.

This article dictates that acting judges must not surpass the age of 70 at the time of their appointment to the bench.

The Fishrot scandal, in which a number of prominent personalities are implicated, has continued to make headlines since it was exposed in 2019.

Those accused in the matter are said to have misappropriated close to half a billion dollars.

The men implicated are two former Cabinet ministers, a former board chairperson, and directors.

All of the suspects are accused of running schemes to get control of government fishing quotas, such as those held by the state fishing company, Fishcor, worth millions of dollars.