A Namibian judge rejected an appeal from three defendants in the Fishrot corruption case who sought additional evidence from international authorities. Acting Judge Marilize du Plessis removed the petition from court records on Wednesday after determining the men failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances required for Supreme Court review.
Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo wanted documents from Iceland, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates gathered through legal assistance treaties. Du Plessis ruled on September 8 that prosecutors only needed to provide another printed copy of materials already shared with defense teams.
The judge classified her earlier decision as interlocutory rather than final. She found no compelling reason to grant the defendants access to communication records between anti-corruption officials and case investigators. The three accused must return to court on November 25 for their next hearing in the fraud and racketeering prosecution.
Sacky Shanghala, James Hatuikulipi, and Pius Mwatelulo wanted documents from Iceland, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates gathered through legal assistance treaties. Du Plessis ruled on September 8 that prosecutors only needed to provide another printed copy of materials already shared with defense teams.
The judge classified her earlier decision as interlocutory rather than final. She found no compelling reason to grant the defendants access to communication records between anti-corruption officials and case investigators. The three accused must return to court on November 25 for their next hearing in the fraud and racketeering prosecution.
