Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia's agriculture minister, was removed from his position following grave allegations of rape and attempted bribery involving a minor, highlighting concerns over gender-based violence in the country.
Namibia's Agriculture Minister Dismissed Amid Rape Allegations
Namibia's Agriculture Minister Dismissed Amid Rape Allegations
Namibian President's historic cabinet reshuffle marred by serious accusations against a minister.
Namibia’s agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed from his role amid serious allegations of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago, as well as attempting to bribe her to retract her accusations. The 59-year-old minister was arrested on Saturday and taken to court on Monday, where he was denied bail due to concerns he might flee or tamper with witnesses.
The charges against Hengari include kidnapping, rape, and assault, marking a significant scandal for the newly elected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's first female leader. Though the presidential statement did not explicitly mention the allegations as reasons for his dismissal, Hengari has been removed from his ministerial position and the National Assembly.
Opposition party Independent Patriots for Change condemned the situation, stating it reflects a failure of leadership and points to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Namibia, where over 4,800 cases were reported last year in a population of three million. The party has also questioned the vetting process that allowed Hengari's appointment, suggesting that knowledge of the investigation may have existed prior to his nomination.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who assumed office with a commitment to gender equality, had previously unveiled a cabinet with significant female representation. Her leadership, however, now faces scrutiny amid these alarming allegations and a backdrop of persistent gender violence throughout the nation. Hengari and his co-accused remain in custody until their next hearing on June 3.
The charges against Hengari include kidnapping, rape, and assault, marking a significant scandal for the newly elected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's first female leader. Though the presidential statement did not explicitly mention the allegations as reasons for his dismissal, Hengari has been removed from his ministerial position and the National Assembly.
Opposition party Independent Patriots for Change condemned the situation, stating it reflects a failure of leadership and points to the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in Namibia, where over 4,800 cases were reported last year in a population of three million. The party has also questioned the vetting process that allowed Hengari's appointment, suggesting that knowledge of the investigation may have existed prior to his nomination.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who assumed office with a commitment to gender equality, had previously unveiled a cabinet with significant female representation. Her leadership, however, now faces scrutiny amid these alarming allegations and a backdrop of persistent gender violence throughout the nation. Hengari and his co-accused remain in custody until their next hearing on June 3.
