Negotiations are underway between the prosecutor general and the curators who are tasked to manage the assets of some of the Fishrot accused to plan the way forward.
On Tuesday, the parties informed Windhoek High Court Judge Orben Sibeya of their ongoing consultation in relation to curators David Bruni and Ian McLaren’s application to be relieved of their duties.
“We are currently in the process of consultation with the applicants (curators) to see if we can resolve some of the issues they have raised. Unfortunately, this will take some time,” said Annerie Keulder, lawyer to the prosecutor general.
Keulder requested for the hearing that was scheduled for yesterday to be postponed, pending the outcome of the negotiations.
Judge Sibeya ordered for the negotiations to be concluded on or before 21 July, and the parties must file a joint status hearing on or before 24 July. However, should the parties not reach an agreement, the court will hear the matter on 31 July. Last year, the curators approached the high court, seeking an order that will relieve them of their duties, claiming they do not have the capacity to manage the vast number of properties owned by the accused. According to them, the sheer volume of assets owned by Fishrot-accused kingpins has made it difficult for them to manage it properly. On top of that, the duo has also expressed frustration over the bureaucratic processes that have made their management jobs difficult. Bruni and McLaren are currently managing the assets of James Hatuikulipi, Tamson Hatuikulipi, Ricardo Gustavo, Sacky Shanghala, Bernhard Esau and Pius Mwatelulo. The group has a combined 26 erven, spread over various Namibian towns as well as in Cape Town, South Africa. Tamson has the highest number of immovable properties: 17 erven and seven sectional title units.
The group’s fleet comprises 48 vehicles, of which Tamson and James top the list with 14 and 13 vehicles, respectively. The curators are also managing the accused’s 33 bank accounts, of which James has 12 – three of which are in South Africa, the USA and Europe. The assets being managed also include the accused’s shareholding in various companies and trusts.
In addition to managing the personal assets of the accused, the curators are also handling the affairs and properties belonging to their various companies.
The duo also has curatorship over gifts given to Tamson’s wife Johanna Hatuikulipi and Esau’s wife Swama Esau.
Johanna was gifted three erven in Swakopmund and 100% shareholding in J.N.H Investment. Swama received a Toyota Land Cruiser, Venter Elite Trailer, 50% shares in Esvute Engineering and a 50% stake in Otjiwarongo Plot fifty-one.
– mamakali@nepc.com.na