‘Fired’ on Wednesday, attends Sona on Thursday

Namibians are questioning the Presidency’s account that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed agriculture minister Mac Hengari last Wednesday, even though he attended her maiden State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday and was allegedly present in parliament on Friday.A statement issued by the Presidency yesterday said that Nandi-Ndaitwah terminated Hengari’s appointment after he failed to resign by Wednesday, 23 April 2025, amid serious allegations including rape and forced abortion."The termination of tenure takes effect from Wednesday, 23 April 2025, when Mac-Albert Hengari should have tendered his resignation," the Presidency said.Although Hengari was scheduled to address the fishing industry in Walvis Bay on Friday, his deputy, Ruth Masake, ultimately handled the engagement. Hengari reportedly attended parliament instead.However, it was an alleged bribery attempt on Saturday that sealed his fate. Hengari was caught during a police intelligence-led operation while allegedly attempting to bribe the 21-year-old woman who has accused him of raping her since she was 16. The alleged bribe, believed to involve N$230,000 in cash, was offered in exchange for her withdrawing the case she had opened against him in November 2024.According to sources, Hengari was accompanied by a relative of the alleged victim, who flew in from abroad to facilitate the payment. The relationship between Hengari and the woman reportedly began when she was underage and resulted in the birth of a child last year — a claim Hengari denies. A DNA test was conducted on 17 April 2025 to determine paternity.The original case against Hengari was opened in Oshakati in November 2024 but was transferred to Windhoek earlier this month, where the alleged offences occurred.Possible charges against Hengari include rape, kidnapping, defeating the course of justice, assault by threat, crimen injuria, abduction, illegal abortion, administering substances in contravention of the Immoral Practices Act, pointing a firearm, supplying liquor to a minor, and assault.National police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi confirmed that Hengari was arrested solely for the alleged bribery attempt, while investigations into the other allegations are ongoing.Hengari, who was one of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s eight nominees to the National Assembly, has also been formally withdrawn from Parliament, according to the Presidency.It remains unclear why the minister was expected to resign specifically by 23 April. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah has faced increasing pressure to act decisively amid public outrage over the serious allegations against Hengari and broader concerns about violence against women and children.When Hengari’s dismissal was announced, Nandi-Ndaitwah was in Okahandja consoling the community after the recent killing and rape of three minor girls, including 15-year-old Beyonce !Kharuxas, whose body was discovered on Saturday in Okahandja’s 5 Rand location.Deputy Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Major General Elias Mutota, confirmed that Hengari was arrested while allegedly handing over cash to the woman. Although he could not confirm the amount, sources close to the investigation said it was approximately N$230,000.Sources also revealed that police encouraged the alleged victim to cooperate with a controlled operation after receiving a tip-off about the planned bribe. Meanwhile, the Presidency reportedly instructed law enforcement to proceed with the investigation without interference.A second suspect — reportedly a relative of the alleged victim — was arrested alongside Hengari, although her age could not be confirmed.Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo confirmed that formal charges related to the bribery would be filed against Hengari and his co-accused by Sunday evening, ensuring their court appearance this morning.Appointed to Cabinet on 22 March 2025, Hengari now ranks among Namibia’s shortest-serving ministers in history.

‘Fired’ on Wednesday, attends Sona on Thursday

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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‘Fired’ on Wednesday, attends Sona on Thursday

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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