Former Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been remanded in custody by a Windhoek Magistrate's Court until Thursday, pending a decision by the Prosecutor General.

Dr. Hengari faces charges of attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, following allegations that he offered a bribe to a woman who accused him of rape.

The alleged incident traces back to a rape case opened in November 2024 at Oshakati.

The police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and have refuted claims of mishandling the case after the allegations were made public on social media by activist Michael Amushelelo, who accused the police of a cover-up.

Hengari was appointed as minister in March 2025 by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

He was dismissed from his position in late April following his arrest.

On Tuesday morning, a group of protestors gathered in Windhoek's central business district, calling for Hengari's release.

Hengari's defence lawyer, Patrick Kauta, argued that his client's arrest on April 26 was unlawful, and he requested his immediate release. 

The court is set to rule on the matter on Thursday.