Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has dismissed Agriculture Minister Mac Hengari, following allegations of rape, as confirmed by the president’s office and police sources. The dismissal comes amid growing public outcry and reports indicating that Hengari is under investigation for the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
In a statement shared via social media, Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the termination of Hengari’s position, effective April 23, 2025. Hengari, who had only been appointed to his government role in March 2025, has been accused of not only rape but also other serious crimes, including abduction and forced abortion an offense considered illegal in Namibia. These allegations have sparked intense debates about leadership accountability and the handling of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
Namibia’s police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation was launched after reports emerged about Hengari’s involvement in the incident. As the investigation unfolds, political reactions have been swift. Namibia’s main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), expressed deep concern over the minister’s arrest. The party described the scandal as a “profound failure of leadership” and criticized the government for appointing Hengari despite an alleged criminal investigation that had reportedly been opened in November 2024.
Gender-based violence remains a significant issue in Namibia. According to 2022 statistics, the country recorded 1,378 rapes out of a total of 5,356 gender-based violence cases, highlighting the urgency for stronger measures against such crimes. Despite the gravity of the allegations, there has been criticism directed at the leadership for not addressing the issue more effectively earlier.
This scandal also shines a light on Namibia’s broader political landscape, with Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female president, under increasing pressure. Her leadership, and the government’s response to gender violence, will be closely scrutinized as the investigation continues.
As Namibia grapples with this serious situation, the incident raises important questions about accountability and the steps needed to combat gender-based violence within the nation.
