Top SA Lawyers for Namibia ‘Fishrot’ Case Lose ‘Illegal Entry’ Appeal

Two South African senior advocates – one of them has represented former President Jacob Zuma – have lost their appeal against their own conviction and sentence by a Namibian Magistrate’s Court. The two, Mike Hellens SC and Dawie Joubert SC, were in Namibia to argue that bail be granted for the accused in the high-profile ‘Fishrot’ corruption case. However, before the bail matter could be heard they were both arrested for illegal entry into Namibia. They had given false information to the immigration authorities about why they were crossing the border, saying it was for ‘a visit’ and ‘a meeting’, instead of saying it was for a court appearance. Both pleaded guilty, were convicted and sentenced. They later appealed unsuccessfully to the High Court, and they have also now lost their appeal to the Supreme Court, whose decision was delivered last week.