Namibia’s Agriculture Minister Fired Following Allegations of Rape

September 7, 2025

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed the country’s Agriculture Minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, who is reportedly under investigation for an alleged rape involving a minor. The president’s office announced the decision on Sunday, confirming that Hengari’s removal from office will take effect from April 23, 2025.

According to reports from local media, Hengari may also face additional charges, including abduction and abortion, both of which are illegal in Namibia. A police spokesperson has confirmed that an investigation is underway, following accusations made by a minor.

Namibia's Agriculture Minister Fired Following Allegations of Rape

The dismissal marks a significant development in the case, as Hengari had served as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform. Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who assumed office in March 2025, decided to remove Hengari after the serious allegations came to light.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is a long-standing figure in the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party, which has governed Namibia since independence in 1990, is leading the country through this challenging political situation.

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Abdulateef Ahmed

Abdulateef Ahmed, Digital News Editor and; Research Lead, is a self-driven researcher with exceptional editorial skills. He's a literary bon vivant keenly interested in green energy, food systems, mining, macroeconomics, big data, African political economy, and aviation..