By: Justicia Shipena 

The Windhoek Magistrate Court postponed the bribery trial of former Investec Namibia managing director, and fishrot accused James Hatuikulipi and his co-accused Sakaria Kuutondokwa Kokule to 28 July 2022.

Hatuikulipi and Kokule’s lawyers – Jermaine Muchali and Gilroy Casper – said the ongoing fishrot bail hearing in the Windhoek High Court caused the postponement.

Sylvia Kauluma represents the State, and magistrate Linus Samunzala will hear the trial.

Previously, the two accused were scheduled to go on trial in July last year, but Covid-19 lockdown put the hearing on hold.

The State is alleging that on 20 January 2020, Hatuikulipi offered N$250 000 to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Junias Iipinge to hand over two Investec bank cards issued to him as well as 

Bank Windhoek cards of his fishrot co-accused Pius Mwatelulo for his entities Otuafika Logistics and Omvindi Investment CC. 

Additionally, Hatuikulipi had asked for the removal of a document titled ‘total allocation’, which the ACC seized. 

Hatuikulipi and Kokule face charges of corruptly giving gratification as an inducement, bribery, or improperly influencing an authorised officer and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. 

Another charge in this matter was Jason Iyambo, who confessed and admitted guilt. The 35-year-old was then convicted and sentenced to nine months imprisonment.

In his confession statement, Iyambo had said Hatuikulipi asked him to obtain bank cards for Mwatelulo.

Iyambo also admitted he offered a bribe of N$250 000 to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Junias Iipinge in Windhoek on 20 January 2020. 

According to the charge sheet, removing evidence relevant to the prosecution would protect his accused from being prosecuted and could interfere with investigations into the matter. 

In November 2020, Kokule’s legal team had asked for the separation of trial for the two men. 

The accused remain in custody.