Namibia: Fishrot Fugitive Marén De Klerk's N$75.3m Assets Frozen

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying reporting from The Namibian, reported that acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has secured a property restraint order under Namibia’s Prevention of Organised Crime Act against assets linked to fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk. The order, granted by acting judge James Devittie in the Windhoek High Court on 10 July, targets assets worth up to N$75.3 million connected to De Klerk and Celax Investments Number One, as well as up to N$2.3 million linked to Moyo Estates.

According to the report, Imalwa told the court that De Klerk left Namibia in January 2020 and is considered a fugitive. A Namibian arrest warrant was issued in April 2021, and an extradition request was sent to South Africa’s justice department in May 2026, as he is believed to be living there. The only specific asset identified in the new order is N$1.3 million paid from De Klerk’s retirement annuity and seized by police in June 2024.

The case is tied to the Fishrot corruption matter, involving allegations that fishing quota proceeds were diverted through law firms and private companies for the benefit of accused figures including former fisheries minister Bernhard Esau, former justice minister Sacky Shanghala and others. Imalwa’s affidavit alleges that De Klerk, Celax and Fishrot defendants were involved in crimes including racketeering, fraud, corruption and money laundering. The allegations remain part of ongoing legal proceedings.

The Namibian reported that prosecutors describe the restraint order as a temporary measure to preserve assets pending possible confiscation after criminal proceedings. Imalwa also indicated plans to seek recognition and enforcement of the Namibian order in South Africa, reflecting the cross-border dimension of the case.