Former Agriculture Minister MacAlbert Hengari and his co-accused are aware of the identities of state witnesses and may attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation, Detective Inspector Veino Werner told the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court.

Werner testified that Hengari was found in possession of an investigator’s statement that had not yet been officially disclosed. 

The statement was submitted to the court by Hengari’s legal team. 

Werner said police suspect Hengari may also be in possession of the case docket, which has not yet been disclosed.

He further told the court that Hengari attempted to bribe the complainant to withdraw the case. 

Werner said both Hengari and his co-accused have attempted to interfere with the investigation since their arrest.

The officer said Hengari’s niece was seen following the complainant, which he described as intimidation.

Werner also testified that a woman, allegedly hired by the complainant’s brother, posed as the victim’s sister, visited the shelter where the complainant is staying, and recorded her after instructing her to say that she is the reason for the arrests.

The woman confirmed to the police that she had visited the accused twice at the Windhoek Correctional Facility.