Agriculture minister Mac Hengari was arrested this afternoon following serious criminal allegations made against him, senior police sources have confirmed. Hengari’s arrest comes after a 21-year-old woman accused him of rape earlier this month.
Sources close to the investigation stated that Hengari’s arrest was the result of a police-led intelligence operation. The minister allegedly attempted to bribe the accuser with N$230 000 to drop the charges. Authorities caught Hengari in the act, and he may now face additional charges related to bribery.
A prison official revealed that the Namibia Correctional Services (NCS) prepared for Hengari’s arrival earlier today. “NCS cleared space for him this morning,” the official said. DNA samples were collected from both Hengari and the alleged victim on 17 April as part of the ongoing investigation. Hengari has previously denied the allegations.
Currently, Hengari is under investigation for 11 criminal charges, ranging from rape, kidnapping, and assault by threat, to defeating the course of justice and crimen injuria. Other charges include abduction, abortion, administering substances in contravention of the Immoral Practices Act, supplying liquor to a minor, pointing a firearm, and assault.
The alleged victim has been placed under police protection amid growing public attention and ongoing investigations.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Hengari’s legal team have not yet issued formal statements regarding the arrest.
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