Scandal Rocks Government As Minister Resigns Over Kidnapping, Rape Allegations

Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mac-Albert Hengari, has stepped down following his arrest.

According to the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), the resignation was announced on Sunday by Presidential Press Secretary, Alfredo Hengari.

Mac-Albert Hengari had served just 27 days in office after being appointed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on March 22.

NBC reported that Hengari and another individual were arrested on Saturday. Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, said Hengari would be formally charged on Sunday and appear in court on Monday.

While the specific details of the charges were initially withheld, Shikongo confirmed Hengari faces 11 charges, including kidnapping, rape, and assault.

NBC added that Hengari’s arrest stemmed from allegations of repeated sexual misconduct involving a minor between 2019 and September 2024, and an alleged attempt to bribe the victim to drop the case.

Shikongo emphasized that the police had “no choice” but to detain Hengari given the severity of the situation. The second individual arrested is reportedly related to the victim.

Hengari’s resignation marks a rare case of a Namibian minister stepping down following criminal charges.