Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, has resigned following his arrest on serious criminal allegations.
The Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), citing Presidential Press Secretary Alfredo Hengari, reported the resignation on Sunday. Hengari, who was appointed just 27 days ago by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on March 22, was arrested on Saturday alongside another individual.
According to NBC, Police Inspector General Lt. Gen. Joseph Shikongo confirmed that Hengari is under investigation for 11 charges, including kidnapping, rape, and assault. Formal charges are expected to be filed Sunday, with a court appearance set for Monday.
NBC reports that Hengari allegedly attempted to bribe a victim to drop a case involving accusations of repeated sexual misconduct with a minor between 2019 and September 2024. The person arrested with him is reportedly related to the victim.
Shikongo said police had “no option” but to take Hengari into custody given the severity of the allegations.
This resignation marks one of the few cases in Namibia where a sitting minister has stepped down under such circumstances. It follows the high-profile 2019 “Fishrot” scandal, which led to the resignation of former ministers Sacky Shanghala and Bernhard Esau over bribery and money laundering allegations.
