Namibia’s Agriculture Minister Fired After Rape Allegations and Attempted Bribery
Minister Mac-Albert Hengari faces multiple charges, including rape and obstruction of justice, as a high-profile scandal shakes Namibia’s new leadership
- Minister Mac-Albert Hengari fired amid accusations of raping a 16-year-old girl
- Hengari faces multiple charges
- Scandal challenges President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership
Namibia’s agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago.
Hengari, 59, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly attempting to bribe the now-21-year-old victim into dropping the charges.
Hengari, who denies the allegations, appeared in court on Monday, where he was denied bail. This marks the first significant scandal under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took office last month.
The president’s office did not specify the reasons for Hengari’s dismissal, but confirmed his removal from both the Cabinet and the National Assembly. Hengari had been nominated to parliament by President Nandi-Ndaitwah to represent the ruling Swapo party.
Hengari faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, rape, and assault, as the investigation continues. On Monday, he was charged with obstructing justice, and he and his co-accused remain in custody until their next hearing on June 3. Bail was denied due to concerns they may flee or attempt to influence witnesses.
Opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change, condemned Hengari’s arrest as exposing the government’s failure to address gender-based violence, noting the high number of reported cases last year. They also criticized the vetting process, claiming that the president appointed Hengari despite an ongoing criminal investigation dating back to November 2024.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who recently formed a gender-inclusive cabinet, was elected with a strong mandate, securing 58% of the vote in the November elections.
