Namibia Sacks Agriculture Minister Over Shocking Rape Allegations Involving Minor

Dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari

|Published 9:55 AM ET, Tuesday April 29, 2025|

Windhoek— Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari following his arrest on grave charges of rape, abduction, and assault involving a minor. The decision marks the first major political scandal of her presidency.

Hengari, who assumed office just weeks ago in March, was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2020. Now 21, the survivor alleges that Hengari attempted to bribe her to drop the charges, prompting a full criminal investigation. Prosecutors have also signaled the possibility of additional charges, including facilitating an illegal abortion.

Authorities denied Hengari bail, citing risks of witness tampering and flight. His next court appearance is set for June 3, 2025. A co-accused has also been taken into custody.

The case has reignited national outrage over gender-based violence in Namibia, which saw nearly 5,000 cases reported in 2024. President Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female head of state, emphasized her administration’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse of power and sexual violence.

“This government will not protect anyone who violates the rights of women and children,” the presidency stated in a release.

The swift dismissal is being viewed as a pivotal moment in Namibia’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and political impunity.