Namibia’s President Fires Agriculture Minister Amid Serious Criminal Allegations

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has dismissed Dr. Mac-Albert Hengari from his position as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform following his arrest on serious criminal charges including rape, gender-based violence, and kidnapping.

The presidency confirmed the decision in an official statement released via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. The dismissal is carried out under the authority granted to the president by Article 32(6) of the Namibian Constitution.

“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,” the statement read.

The move comes just a day after the former minister was taken into police custody. According to local media reports, Hengari faces multiple charges stemming from a disturbing case that reportedly began last year.

Allegations of Rape and Bribery

Local outlets report that Hengari allegedly raped a 21-year-old woman and subsequently attempted to bribe her in order to have the case withdrawn. The incident, which has deeply shocked the Namibian public, is being treated with urgency by law enforcement officials, though investigations remain ongoing.

The identity of the victim has been withheld in accordance with local and international laws protecting survivors of sexual violence. Police and government officials have not issued detailed public statements about the ongoing investigation but have confirmed that due process is underway.

Dispute Over Resignation or Dismissal

There has been some confusion regarding the sequence of events leading up to Hengari’s removal. Some reports claimed that Hengari had submitted his resignation prior to being formally dismissed by the president. When asked to clarify, Hengari told reporters, “I resigned as minister, but I cannot comment further.”

The presidency, however, made no mention of a resignation, instead emphasizing the president’s constitutional power to terminate ministerial appointments.

A Short-Lived Appointment

Hengari’s tenure as Agriculture Minister was relatively brief. He was appointed to the post in March 2025, just a few weeks ago, after President Nandi-Ndaitwah named her top eight parliamentary candidates. His rapid rise within Namibia’s political landscape made him a visible figure in the cabinet, though his tenure has now ended abruptly under a cloud of criminal suspicion.

His appointment was initially seen as a bold and progressive step by the new administration, aimed at bringing younger voices into government. However, the emerging allegations have since triggered widespread condemnation and concern from civil society groups, women’s rights organizations, and opposition leaders, who are calling for transparency and accountability.

A Test for the New President

This development poses a significant test for President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who became Namibia’s first female head of state earlier this year. Her swift action to dismiss Hengari has been praised by some observers as a demonstration of her zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and ethical misconduct in public office.

However, critics argue that the government must go beyond firings and implement systemic reforms to prevent individuals accused of serious crimes from ascending to high office in the first place.

Human rights advocates in Namibia are calling for a review of the vetting processes used for ministerial appointments, particularly for candidates with past accusations or red flags.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the investigation into Hengari’s case is active and that no one is above the law. Prosecutors are expected to assess the evidence and decide whether to formally charge the former minister.

Until then, the public and media continue to monitor developments closely, as this case unfolds at a critical moment in the country’s political life.

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