Namibia’s president sacks minister over rape allegations

The President office said in a statement shared on social media, “President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has relieved Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari of his duties as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. The termination of tenure takes effect from Wednesday, 23 April 2025, when Hon. Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari should have tendered his resignation.”

Hengari, who was arrested on multiple charges including rape, gender-based violence, and kidnapping, is accused of raping a 21-year-old woman and attempting to bribe her to withdraw her complaint.

He had only recently been appointed to the cabinet in March as one of the president’s top parliamentary candidates.