Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari following his arrest on charges that include rape, gender-based violence and kidnapping, the presidency announced Sunday.
“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,” the presidency said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Hengari was arrested on Saturday, according to local media. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding whether he resigned before being dismissed. “I resigned as minister, but I cannot comment further,” Hengari said.
Authorities allege that Hengari raped a 21-year-old woman and later attempted to bribe her to withdraw the case she filed last year.
Hengari was appointed agriculture minister in March after being named among Nandi-Ndaitwah’s top parliamentary candidates.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.