Namibia's Agriculture Minister Mac Albert Hengari resigns after arrest over rape allegations
The accusations against Hengari relate to an incident that allegedly occurred five years ago, when the woman was still a minor.
Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mac Albert Hengari, has stepped down following allegations of rape involving a 21-year-old woman and his subsequent arrest.
“I resigned as minister, but I cannot comment further,” Hengari told The Namibian.
More To Read
The accusations against Hengari relate to an incident that allegedly occurred five years ago, when the woman was still a minor.
Under Namibian law, any sexual relationship between an adult and a person under the age of 16 constitutes statutory rape.
Deputy commissioner and national police spokesperson, Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed Hengari’s arrest on Saturday.
“Hengari is indeed arrested after he attempted to bribe the victim to withdraw the case. That is what he was arrested for. That’s all I have for now,” Shikwambi told The Namibian.
According to the Namibian Police, the case registered in November 2024 as CR73/11/2024 is actively under investigation. Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo emphasised the seriousness of the matter.
“From the time the information reached the Namibian Police Force in November 2024, case number CR73/11/2024 was immediately registered and is actively under investigation,” he told the Namibian Sun.
He further clarified that law enforcement had not attempted to cover up the matter, dismissing allegations made by activist Michael Amushelelo.
“At no point did any member of the Namibian Police Force refuse to assist the young lady, nor did any officers threaten her into silence,” Shikongo said.
“We have a person of interest in the matter that is under investigation,” Shikongo was quoted by Namibian Sun, adding that the victim has given a sworn statement and continues to receive support from the police.
The victim claims that she was impregnated by Hengari when she was 16 years old, but was pressured to terminate the pregnancy. In 2024, she allegedly became pregnant again and refused to have another abortion, resulting in the birth of a now seven-month-old child.
Hengari, who had only been in office for nine days, dismissed the allegations as a “witch-hunt” but expressed willingness to cooperate with any lawful investigation.
Top Stories Today
