Namibian anti-corruption officials looked into former Wildlife Resorts director Zelna Hengari about giving contracts to her husband, Mac Hengari. He recently became agriculture minister as people ask if President Nandi-Ndaitwah checked backgrounds before making Cabinet picks. Mac faces separate rape claims which he denies.
ACC deputy director Erna van der Merwe said they finished investigating the case last year. She found nothing showing that Zelna gave contracts directly to her husband. The investigation examined whether Zelna awarded deals to companies that passed work to businesses connected with Mac. Officials could reopen the case if new evidence appears.
The president reportedly skipped normal security checks when selecting Cabinet members. Instead of asking intelligence services or police to vet candidates, she used informal screening. Mac told reporters he never dealt with corruption investigators. He claimed media outlets showed bias against him and previously targeted his wife.
Zelna ran Wildlife Resorts from 2014 until her 2019 suspension amid claims of bad management. During her time leading the organization, she had difficult relationships with three different boards. Last year, she lost a defamation lawsuit after a judge ruled she had made a business deal without board approval.
ACC deputy director Erna van der Merwe said they finished investigating the case last year. She found nothing showing that Zelna gave contracts directly to her husband. The investigation examined whether Zelna awarded deals to companies that passed work to businesses connected with Mac. Officials could reopen the case if new evidence appears.
The president reportedly skipped normal security checks when selecting Cabinet members. Instead of asking intelligence services or police to vet candidates, she used informal screening. Mac told reporters he never dealt with corruption investigators. He claimed media outlets showed bias against him and previously targeted his wife.
Zelna ran Wildlife Resorts from 2014 until her 2019 suspension amid claims of bad management. During her time leading the organization, she had difficult relationships with three different boards. Last year, she lost a defamation lawsuit after a judge ruled she had made a business deal without board approval.
