Namibian Minister Dismissed Amid Rape Allegations and Bribery Attempt

The article details the arrest and subsequent dismissal of Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia's agriculture minister, who has faced serious charges including rape and attempted bribery.

Namibia's agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, was dismissed from his position and removed from the National Assembly amid grave accusations of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago. The police announced his arrest on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to bribe the victim, now an adult at 21, to retract her accusations against him. Hengari, aged 59, has publicly denied all allegations and made an appearance in court, where he was denied bail due to the potential risk of fleeing and influencing witnesses.

This incident marks a significant scandal for Namibia's newly appointed female President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who assumed office just a month prior. Although the dismissal statement from the presidency did not provide specific reasons, Hengari faces multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and rape, and will remain in custody pending further hearings scheduled for June.

In response to the allegations, the opposition party Independent Patriots for Change criticized the government’s handling of gender-based violence, labeling Hengari's situation a "profound failure of leadership." They expressed concerns over the high incidence of gender violence in Namibia, with over 4,800 cases reported last year in a country with a population of approximately three million. The opposition further challenged the vetting process within the government, pointing out that the president appointed Hengari while he was under investigation, reportedly initiated in November 2024.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah, a long-time member of the ruling Swapo party which has governed since Namibia's independence in 1990, recently formed a cabinet notable for its female representation, comprising nine women in a 14-member assembly. After winning her position with 58% of the vote in the recent elections, this scandal presents a significant challenge as she navigates issues of governance and public safety in Namibia.