The Minister of Agriculture of Namibia, Mac-Albert Hengari, dismissed after rapes

The 59 -year -old Hengari was arrested on Saturday after trying to bribe the 21 -year -old victim to drop the complaint. He appeared on Monday in front of a Windhoek Magistrates' Court, where the deposit was denied. The authorities expressed concerns that he was a fluid risk or could try to influence witnesses.

The President's office announced Hengaris immediately in an explanation without working out the reasons. He was also removed by his position as a member of the National Assembly, for which he was nominated by the ruling Swapo party.

Hengari, who contested any misconduct, is exposed to several charges, including kidnapping, rape, assault and disability of the judiciary. His next court appearance is planned for June 3.

The arrest and dismissal triggered violent criticism. The IPC party of the opposition independent patriots for change (IPC) described the situation as “serious failure of the leadership”. The opposition party emphasized the official contradiction of the incumbent government by “according to Hengari”, despite an investigation, was reportedly initiated in November 2024. ”

The IPC also drawn attention to the broader gender -specific violent crisis in Namibia, citing 4,814 cases reported in a country with just more than three million people last year.

The scandal comes at a sensitive time for President Nandi-Indaitwah, who only took office last month after winning the elections in November with 58% of the votes.

The 7-year-old Nandi-Indaitwah had positioned her government as an advocate of gender equality and integrity and set high expectations of the accountability of the leadership. However, Hengari's case threatens to overshadow these early efforts and raise questions about the review processes and the political judgment of their young government.