Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Mac Hengari is under police investigation on 11 criminal charges, including rape and kidnapping, with the alleged victim currently under police protection due to suicidal thoughts.
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi has confirmed this.
“Yes, he is considered a suspect, as the police are busy carrying out an investigation,” she says.
According to a police report, no arrest has been made, but Hengari is suspected to have raped a minor on several occasions between 2019 and September 2024.
Hengari is facing possible charges ranging from rape and kidnapping to defeating the course of justice, assault by threat, crimen injuria, abduction and abortion.
The charges also include administering substances in contravention of the Immoral Practices Act, pointing a firearm, supplying liquor to a minor, and assault.
The alleged victim (21) has been placed under police protection amid ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.
Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo confirmed this to Desert FM on Thursday.
He said investigations into the case are ongoing.
Shikongo said the alleged victim was moved to a safe house, since she is displaying suicidal behaviour.
He said this in response to allegations that the woman was kidnapped by the police.
“The police have handed them (the woman, her mother and her baby) over to a social worker, because the victim in recent days developed some suicidal thoughts,” he said.
*This story has been modified
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