Namibian Minister Mac-Albert Hengari Fired Amid Criminal Allegations

Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia’s former Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, has been relieved of his duties following serious criminal allegations, including rape, bribery, kidnapping, and assault.

The decision, made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has sparked a wave of concerns in the nation and raised serious questions about the integrity of public office holders in Namibia.

According to an official statement from the Namibian Presidency, Hengari’s termination was effective from the said date, and he has also been withdrawn from the National Assembly.

The dismissal follows mounting evidence against Hengari, who stands accused of a range of crimes, including offering a bribe to silence a young woman who had accused him of multiple instances of rape.

The accusations against Hengari are deeply troubling. The 21-year-old woman, who had been a minor at the time of the alleged assaults, accused the former minister of raping her multiple times over several years.

Investigations reveal that Hengari allegedly offered a bribe of N$230,000 to the victim, attempting to buy her silence and prevent the case from going public.

In total, Hengari faces 11 criminal charges, including rape, kidnapping, assault by threat, and crimen injuria. The charges stem from a series of incidents beginning in 2019 and continuing until September 2024. In addition to these charges, Hengari is accused of violations related to the Immoral Practices Act, further compounding the gravity of the situation.

The victim, currently under police protection, has been relocated to a safe house due to emotional distress and suicidal thoughts linked to the traumatic events. A spokesperson for the Namibian Police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed that Hengari is a suspect in the ongoing investigation.

Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo added that the victim, her mother, and her baby have been placed under the care of a social worker to provide ongoing emotional and psychological support as the investigation progresses.

Hengari’s dismissal marks a significant political and social moment in Namibia, highlighting both the severity of the allegations and the government’s stance on accountability for public officials. The case has sparked widespread discussion, with many Namibians expressing their shock and outrage over the gravity of the accusations.

In an official statement, President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law. “The action taken today reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption and abuse of power,” the statement read.

This case is expected to have lasting political repercussions, as it raises serious questions about the ethics and conduct of those in positions of power. Hengari’s dismissal is a crucial step in addressing the concerns surrounding the integrity of Namibia’s leadership, particularly in the face of such serious allegations.

As the investigation continues, the Namibian public is awaiting further updates on the case, as well as any potential legal actions that may follow.

The victim’s safety and well-being remain a priority for the authorities. Social workers are providing support to her and her family as they navigate the emotional toll of the ongoing legal process.

With the investigation still unfolding, many are watching closely to see how Namibia’s legal system will handle the case and whether further actions will be taken against Hengari in the coming weeks.