Mac Hengari stepped down as Namibian minister of agriculture, fisheries, water, and land reform after his arrest. He faces rape allegations from a 21-year-old woman who claims the assault happened when she was still underage. Police arrested Hengari for allegedly trying to bribe the woman to withdraw her case filed last year. Both Hengari and the woman provided DNA samples for testing, but results remain pending.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had appointed Hengari to the Cabinet just months ago in March, naming him among her top eight parliamentary picks. Several allegations came to light earlier this month, prompting political commentators like Rui Tyitendi to call for his temporary resignation during investigations. Hengari confirmed his departure on Sunday but refused further comment on the matter. National police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi verified the arrest stemmed from the alleged bribery attempt. Police continue to investigate the serious claims against the former minister.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had appointed Hengari to the Cabinet just months ago in March, naming him among her top eight parliamentary picks. Several allegations came to light earlier this month, prompting political commentators like Rui Tyitendi to call for his temporary resignation during investigations. Hengari confirmed his departure on Sunday but refused further comment on the matter. National police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi verified the arrest stemmed from the alleged bribery attempt. Police continue to investigate the serious claims against the former minister.
