The agriculture minister of Namibia, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been removed from his position amidst serious allegations, including rape and kidnapping, stemming from a case that occurred five years ago. Hengari was arrested over the weekend after police claimed he attempted to bribe the alleged victim, now 21, to retract her statement against him.
The case is drawing significant attention in Namibia, as it is the first major challenge for President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who recently made history as Namibia’s first female president. Hengari’s arrest has placed additional pressure on her administration, raising questions about political accountability and the handling of such sensitive cases within the public sector.
The victim’s accusations, combined with Hengari’s alleged attempts to influence the case, have sparked national outrage, especially given the ongoing efforts within the country to address issues of gender-based violence. The public is closely watching how both the legal process and the political leadership will unfold in response to these allegations.
Hengari, who had been nominated to the National Assembly by the president’s party, Swapo, has denied all wrongdoing. He now faces multiple charges, with his legal battle likely to dominate political discussions in Namibia in the coming weeks.
