Namibia: minister dismissed and arrested for alleged vi0l

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sacked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform following accusations of rape.

Mac-Albert Hengari was then arrested in flagrante delicto while attempting to bribe the alleged victim with $230,000 in cash.

According to the authorities, the young woman was 16 at the time of the crime, in 2019. Police have confirmed the opening of an investigation into eleven charges, including rape.

As part of this case, Mac-Albert Hengari also loses his position as a non-voting member of the National Assembly.

At the time of his appointment last March by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the opposition had already voiced criticism.

Mac-Albert Hengari will remain in pre-trial detention until the start of his trial on June 3.