Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Office of the Ombudsman has been asked to investigate alleged misconduct by police officers in the criminal case involving former minister Mac-Albert Hengari and his co-accused Simon Hanga.
In a sworn statement dated 2 July, Hanga claimed he was unlawfully arrested and detained after arriving in Namibia from Germany in April.
He said police pressured him to falsely implicate Hengari in exchange for his release.
Hanga submitted the complaint to Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha and also sent copies to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the prosecutor general, and the inspector general of the Namibian Police.
“I am being unlawfully detained for refusing to plead guilty or falsely incriminate another person,” he wrote.
Hanga said he travelled to Namibia to help his mother, Soini Hanga, and sister, Sylvia Hanga, who he claims are tied to the allegations against Hengari.
Before travelling, he contacted investigating officer Vaino Werner and Commissioner Mayumbelo to inform them he would hire a lawyer and assist his family.
He alleges he was arrested at Hosea Kutako International Airport on 26 April and has since been visited three times in custody by investigators without his lawyer present.
“They told me if I plead guilty, I would be fined and allowed to return to Germany.
They said they only wanted Mr Hengari,” he claimed.
Hanga also alleged that his sister, under police protection, was instructed by officers to call his wife and persuade him to accept a plea deal.
“My wife told me she overheard someone in the background giving Sylvia instructions, which she repeated,” he said.
Hengari and Hanga were denied bail last week after appearing before Judge Monica Andjaba.
They face charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice, corruptly giving gratification, and incitement to compound an offence.
Prosecutor Andrie Rickerts said the pair must remain in custody to avoid interfering with the investigation.
Hengari’s lawyer, Patrick Kauta, questioned the state’s evidence and asked for the matter to be moved to the High Court.
In April, Hengari was arrested for allegedly raping a teenage girl and forcing her to have an abortion.
He faces 11 charges, including rape, kidnapping, crimen injuria, assault, and supplying alcohol to a minor. He has denied all allegations.
Hanga also said police unlawfully seized his phone, preventing him from managing his finances.
“My credit score is being ruined; I cannot pay legal fees or support my family,” he said.
He raised concern for his sister, claiming she suffered a mental breakdown and a stroke while in custody.
“No family member has seen Sylvia or her daughter since April,” he added. He said his niece is now under the care of social workers.
Hanga urged the Ombudsman to work with the ACC to determine whether police received payments or inducements related to the arrests.
“This appears to be a coordinated entrapment,” he said.
“Head of Operations at the Office of the Ombudsman, Ingrid Husselman, said they had received the complaint and responded to Hanga on Monday. She added that she could not share the response as Hanga had not yet received it.
The case resumes on 21 July.
