In the Fishrot corruption case, Judge Moses Chinengo has dismissed the jurisdiction challenge brought under Section 317 of the Criminal Procedure Act by the accused, former Justice Minister Sackey Shangala.

The Fishrot trial entered a contentious phase today as plea proceedings continued under Justice Moses Chinhengo.

Former Justice Minister Sakeus Shanghala and his co-accused face charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering involving millions allegedly siphoned from Namibia's fishing industry.

In the ongoing Fishrot trial, Acting Judge Moses Chinhengo has maintained that he will continue presiding over the case, as his appointment, an executive decision, remains valid unless overturned by a court of law. 

High Court Acting Judge Moses Chinhengo has reserved his decision on a preliminary point raised by the state, which seeks a three-month delay in the Fishrot trial.

Former Minister of Justice Sacky Shanghala and his co-accused in the high-profile Fishrot corruption trial have been permitted to present their case from the lecterns and attorney's desk in court rather than from the dock, which Shanghala has described as a "cage."

The bail application for one of the Fishrot accused, Tamson Hatuikulipi, is expected to continue in the High Court on Monday.

This is Hatuikulipi's third bid for bail, which he launched in February this year, counting on supposed new facts. 

Fishrot accused Tamson Hatuikulipi vehemently denied that he is corrupt when he appeared in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday for another bail application.

Hatuikulipi approached the court for a bail application based on new facts, making this his third attempt.

Judge Moses Chinengo has reserved his judgement on the matter for August 8, 2024.

Lawyer Mbanga Siyoumunji, who is representing the Fishrot accused, Nigel van Wyk, says his client has exhausted all avenues regarding the recusal of Judge Moses Chinhengo.

Bernhard Esau, the former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has won a High Court case allowing him to access some of his assets that have been under a restraint order.

His lawyer, Florian Beukes, has confirmed the success to nbc News.