Iuze Mukube 

A decision by the prosecutor general on Tuesday has set the stage for the continuation of the bribery case against former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari. 

Hengari and his co-accused will now be arraigned in the Windhoek Regional Court before Magistrate Justine Asino. 

The two face three charges, including one of contravening section 34 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which deals with corruptly giving gratification. 

They similarly face a count of bribery, alternatively, attempted bribery and another of defeating or obstructing the course of justice, alternatively, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice. 

The decision was read into the record along with the transfer order for the case to be moved to the regional court by public prosecutor Reinhard Kamatoto. 

Mekumbu Tjiteere, representing Hengari, indicated that they objected to the charges, arguing that the way the charges were drafted is so simple that it fails to properly disclose the offence. 

Tjiteere also stated that they intend to lodge an application at a later stage to challenge the charges. 

The lawyer of Hengari’s co-accused, Nafimane Halweendo, shared the same sentiments. 

He also requested for a longer remand as his client has to get back to Germany for work. 

Windhoek Magistrate’s Court magistrate Immanuel Sumo Udjombala ordered the transfer and the accused are to make an appearance in the Windhoek Regional Court on 23 April 2026. 

The two are on bail, with conditions that they are not to have any direct or indirect contact with State witnesses and not to leave the district of Windhoek without informing Deputy Commissioner Catherine Walaula. 

It is alleged that on 26 April 2025, in the district of Windhoek, Hengari wrongfully and unlawfully attempted to defeat the course of justice by offering the 21-year-old purported victim N$222 000 to withdraw the rape case she had lodged against him. 

Reportedly, the arrest followed an investigation into 11 criminal charges alleged against Hengari, including rape, kidnapping, abortion, supplying liquor to a minor and administering substances in contravention of the Immoral Practices Act. 

The allegations involve a 21-year-old woman, who claims that Hengari repeatedly raped her since she was 15. 

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