Former Namibian Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Mac-Albert Hengari, is set to appear in court on Monday, following his arrest over the weekend. Hengari, who had held the position for just 27 days after being appointed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on March 22, resigned after the news of his arrest broke .
Hengari is facing formal charges related to a series of serious accusations, including kidnapping, rape, and assault. The police, led by Inspector General Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, confirmed that Hengari would be charged with 11 offenses, including allegations involving repeated sexual contact with a minor between 2019 and September 2024. He is also accused of attempting to bribe the victim to withdraw the case.
According to reports from local media, Hengari may also face additional charges, including abduction and abortion, both of which are illegal in Namibia
The arrest followed an investigation into Hengari’s actions, with police stating that the circumstances surrounding the case left them no choice but to take him into custody. Notably, the arrest also involved another individual, who is reportedly related to the victim.
Hengari’s resignation marks a rare instance in Namibia where a minister has stepped down following an arrest. This follows a similar pattern seen in 2019 when former ministers Sacky Shanghala and Bernhard Esau resigned amidst the “Fishrot” corruption scandal.
