Sacked Minister,
Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, has been dismissed from his position following serious criminal allegations, including rape, bribery, and kidnapping.
The decision to terminate Hengari’s appointment was made by President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, with the dismissal taking effect on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Namibian Presidency on Sunday, “By virtue of the powers vested in the President by Article 32(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has relieved Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari of his duties as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.”
“The termination of tenure takes effect from Wednesday, 23 April 2025 when Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari should have tendered his resignation. Hon. Hengari has also been withdrawn from the National Assembly.”
The allegations against Hengari involve the offering of a N$230,000 bribe to a 21-year-old woman who had accused him of multiple rapes, allegedly in an attempt to silence her.
He was arrested after reportedly making the payment.
Investigations by the police have uncovered 11 criminal charges against Hengari, including rape, kidnapping, and assault by threat.
Additional accusations cite crimen injuria, abduction, and violations of the Immoral Practices Act, with the incidents reportedly occurring since 2019.
Hengari is accused of raping the victim multiple times while she was still a minor, with the last incident allegedly taking place in September 2024.
The Namibian newspaper reported that the 21-year-old victim, who has been struggling with suicidal thoughts as a result of the traumatic experiences, has been placed under police protection and relocated to a safe house.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the national police spokesperson, confirmed that Hengari remains a suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo also affirmed that the victim, along with her mother and baby, has been placed under the care of a social worker for continued support.
