Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has relieved Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari of his duties as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform following his arrest on multiple charges, including rape.
In an official statement released on social media, the President’s office confirmed that the dismissal took effect from Wednesday, 23 April 2025. The statement further clarified that Hengari should have submitted his resignation by this date.
The dismissal comes after Hengari, a newly appointed cabinet member in March 2025, was arrested and charged with serious offences, including rape, gender-based violence, and kidnapping. He is accused of raping a 21-year-old woman and attempting to bribe her to retract her complaint. Hengari’s arrest has attracted significant attention, given his recent position as one of President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s top parliamentary candidates.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s office has stated that the decision to remove Hengari from his ministerial role was made in light of the gravity of the charges against him, as well as the need to uphold the integrity of the government. The statement further condemned acts of gender-based violence and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the protection and respect of women’s rights.
Hengari’s appointment as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform was part of the President’s reshuffling of the cabinet in March. His brief tenure was marred by the arrest and the serious allegations levied against him, which have sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
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In the wake of Hengari’s dismissal, Namibia’s government has called for a full investigation into the accusations, with authorities working to ensure that justice is served. The case has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally, with many calling for swift legal proceedings to address the alleged crimes.
Namibia’s political landscape is currently under scrutiny, as Hengari’s arrest raises broader concerns about the prevalence of gender-based violence and the accountability of public officials. The government has pledged to address these issues head-on, with the President emphasising the importance of holding all individuals, regardless of their position, accountable for their actions.
