Namibia’s Agriculture Minister Fired: Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has terminated the appointment of Mac-Albert Hengari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, due to corruption allegations.
Hengari’s dismissal follows accusations that he attempted to bribe a rape victim to prevent her from filing a report regarding the incident.
This action reflects Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commitment to combating corruption.
On the eve of her inauguration, she expressed her dedication to transparent governance and stated her willingness to take decisive measures against any members of the National Assembly involved in corrupt practices or violations of national laws.
The former minister had only held the position for 27 days, having been appointed by President Nandi-Ndaitwah on March 22.
According to NBC, Police Inspector General Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo indicated that Hengari would face formal charges on Sunday and was anticipated to make a court appearance on Monday.
While Shikongo did not disclose the specifics behind the arrest, he confirmed that Hengari is under investigation for eleven charges, which include kidnapping, rape, and assault.
The NBC reported that Hengari was taken into custody after allegedly trying to persuade a victim to retract a case involving multiple incidents of sexual contact with a minor occurring between 2019 and September 2024.
Shikongo stated that the circumstances leading to the arrest left law enforcement with “no option” but to detain the former minister. He also confirmed that an individual arrested alongside Hengari is related to the victim.
