Vetaruhe Kandorozu, a Member of Parliament representing the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), has raised serious concerns over reports that individuals implicated in the Fishrot and Oilrot scandals are reportedly being taken from prison at night to manage or run their business affairs, and then returned early in the morning. Kandorozu cited sources within the prison system and called on authorities to provide immediate clarification.
The Fishrot scandal, exposed in late 2019, revealed that Namibian officials allegedly accepted bribes from the Icelandic fishing company Samherji in exchange for lucrative fishing quotas. The main accused, known as the “Fishrot Six,” include former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau, former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, and other prominent figures. The scandal sparked widespread public outrage and intensified calls for accountability.
Similarly, the Oilrot scandal involves allegations of corruption in Namibia’s oil sector, where officials are accused of facilitating the awarding of oil exploration contracts in exchange for bribes. Both scandals have significantly affected public confidence in Namibia’s governance and raised concerns about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.
Kandorozu’s statements highlight a troubling pattern of alleged nighttime movements of the accused, reportedly for business purposes rather than legal or medical reasons. If proven, such activities would constitute a serious breach of prison protocols and legal ethics.
In April 2025, seven of the accused attempted to prevent their relocation within the Windhoek Correctional Facility, arguing that the move would hinder their preparation for trial. The High Court dismissed their application, citing procedural errors and a lack of urgency, noting that the applicants had failed to follow proper legal procedures.
