The recent sacking of Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari underscores critical issues surrounding gender violence in Namibia.
**Namibian Agriculture Minister Dismissed Following Grave Allegations**
**Namibian Agriculture Minister Dismissed Following Grave Allegations**
Namibian President faces scrutiny as minister accused of rape and intimidation is removed from office.
Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari amid serious allegations of raping a minor five years ago. Hengari, who is 59 years old, stands accused of attempting to intimidate the victim, now 21, by allegedly trying to bribe her to retract her claims. Following his arrest on Saturday, he appeared in court on Monday, where bail was denied due to concerns he might flee or tamper with evidence.
This incident marks a significant scandal for President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who recently took office and quickly faced backlash regarding the incident. The presidential statement regarding Hengari's dismissal did not elaborate on specifics but confirmed his removal from both ministerial and parliamentary roles. He is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and rape as the investigation unfolds.
The opposition party, Independent Patriots for Change, criticized the government for failing to uphold its promises on combating gender-based violence, noting the prevalence of 4,814 recorded cases last year in a country of approximately three million people. They also questioned the vetting processes that allowed Hengari’s appointment while a criminal investigation was reportedly underway since November.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has appointed a cabinet notable for its female representation, is now grappling with the implications of Hengari's arrest on her administration's credibility. The case continues as the justice system proceeds, with the next hearing scheduled for June 3.
