Former Minister of Fisheries, Mac-Albert Hengari, and his co-accused have been granted bail by the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court following a formal hearing held on Thursday afternoon.
Presiding Magistrate Monica Andjaba ruled that both accused successfully met the legal requirements for bail eligibility. She noted that the state’s concerns over possible flight risk and interference with witnesses could be sufficiently addressed through strict bail conditions.
“The applicants discharged the onus placed on them to prove that they are suitable candidates for bail,” Andjaba stated in her ruling. Bail was set at N$15,000 for each of the accused.
The matter has been postponed to 15 August 2025, when the accused are expected to formally enter their pleas.
Former Agriculture Minister Mac Albert Hengari and his co-accused must report to the Windhoek Police Station every Monday between 08:00 and 17:00, surrender all valid passports and travel documents, avoid contact with state witnesses, and remain in the District of Windhoek unless authorised to leave, as conditions of his bail granted on Thursday.
Hengari faced a charge or bribery, after a large sum of money was found in his vehicle, the money was allegedly meant to bribe a woman who has accused him of rape.
During bail proceedings, Hengari testified that the funds were meant to pay the salaries of his farm workers.
The case has attracted significant public interest due to Hengari’s former cabinet role and the serious nature of the charges.
