The Windhoek High Court has reserved judgement in a matter in which former justice minister Sacky Shanghala is demanding Wi-Fi access for himself and his co-accused during their trial. Judge Shafimana Ueitele postponed the judgement to 14 February 2025. The judgement, initially set for Thursday morning, was not yet ready, the judge indicated.
In his application, Shanghala is further demanding electric points, ‘suitable’ tables and chairs, and a lectern in the courtroom, to allow him and his co-accused a fair trial.
Shanghala and his co-accused – former fisheries minister Bernhard Esau, former Investec Asset Management managing director James Hatuikulipi, former Fishcor chief executive officer Mike Nghipunya, Ricardo Gustavo, Nigel van Wyk, Pius Mwatelula, Otneel Shuudifonya, Phillipus Mwapopi and Tamson Hatuikulipi – were arrested in November 2019.
They face charges related to bribes allegedly received in exchange for fishing quotas favouring the Icelandic fishing company Samherji.
Shanghala previously also challenged the use of metal bars in the dock, which have since been removed. He is further demanding that the court prevent photos and videos being taken of the accused in the dock, and has taken issue with the courtroom in which proceedings are taking place, saying he may not receive a fair trial.
The courtroom, located at the Windhoek Correctional Facility, was previously used for the Caprivi treason trial.
“I am treated degradingly and humiliated as I am viewed as a dangerous criminal. My right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty guaranteed under Article 12(1)(d) of the Namibian Constitution cannot survive such a view, the one where I am paraded into and out of court as a dangerous criminal from that cage like a monkey in a zoo,” Shanghala argues in court papers.
– Nampa
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