By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari amid serious criminal allegations.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, the Namibian presidency announced:
“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.”
Hengari was arrested on Saturday facing multiple charges, including rape, gender-based violence, and kidnapping, according to local media reports.
There have been conflicting accounts about his departure, with Hengari reportedly stating, “I resigned as minister, but I cannot comment further.”
The allegations involve the rape of a 21-year-old woman, with claims that Hengari later attempted to bribe her to withdraw the case, which she had filed last year.
Hengari was appointed Minister of Agriculture in March, following President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to name him among her top eight parliamentary candidates.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
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