Allexer Namundjebo
Former Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Mac Albert Hengari, will face new charges when he next appears in court.
These include contravening Section 34(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act (Act 8 of 2003) and incitement to commit a crime under Section 18(2)(b) of the Riotous Assemblies Act of 1976.
This is explained in a letter from Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa, dated 12 May 2015, seen by the Windhoek Observer and addressed to Hengari’s legal firm, Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc.
Imalwa, in the letter, notified Hengari’s legal team that the state intends to oppose bail on multiple grounds, including the seriousness of the offences, the strength of the state’s case, potential interference with the ongoing investigation and witnesses, and public interest concerns.
Imalwa clarified that Hengari’s arrest was not related to rape allegations but rather to suspected corruption.
She responded to the defence’s request for disclosure of evidence, saying the investigation was still in its early stages.
“Investigations are at an infancy stage; thus, the disclosure of documents or materials as requested cannot be satisfied at this juncture, as these are yet to be received and reviewed by this office,” Imalwa explained.
Regarding the request for DNA results, Imalwa noted that her office had not yet received such results and could not provide them.
Earlier, Hengari’s lawyers had demanded full disclosure of the DNA results for a paternity test for an alleged child conceived in an extramarital affair, all charge sheets, the grounds for arrest, documents the State intends to use during the bail hearing, and any warning statements issued by their client.
Hengari was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly attempting to bribe a 21-year-old woman with N$222 000 to withdraw a rape case against him.
This is part of an investigation into 11 criminal allegations, including rape, kidnapping, abortion, supplying liquor to a minor, and administering prohibited substances under the Immoral Practices Act.
The complainant claims Hengari abused her when she was 15 years old.
Hengari (59) and his 30-year-old co-accused made their first court appearance before Magistrate Monica Andjaba in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Both face charges of attempting to obstruct justice.
State prosecutor, Seredine Jacobs, strongly opposed bail for both accused, citing the seriousness of the case, the strength of the evidence, the risk of interfering with investigations, and public interest.
The second accused, whose identity cannot be disclosed as he is reportedly related to the complainant, is a resident of Germany and considered a flight risk.
Jacobs stated that there are still several outstanding witness statements and forensic reports, and investigators are extracting data from electronic devices.
The case has been postponed to 3 June 2025 for further investigation.
Hengari resigned from his ministerial position recently after serving just over a month since his appointment on 22 March 2025 by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
