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.

In a firm decision by the High Court, Judge Moses Chinhengo has once again denied requests for postponement in the plea hearing of the individuals accused in the high-profile Fishrot case.

The accused, facing the court in Windhoek, are set to respond to 42 charges of fraud, corruption, and racketeering, marking a significant development in this ongoing legal saga.

Following yesterday's postponement, it was expected that the state would continue where it left off, putting the charges on the accused.

Acting High Court Judge Moses Chinhengo has dismissed an application by Fishrot accused Sacky Shanghala and his co-accused to postpone their case for up to eight months.

Judge Chinhengo did not entertain Shanghala's application, ordering the former Justice Minister and his co-accused to enter a plea.

Chinhengo's ruling paved the way for the state to put the charges against the accused.