UPDATE: Windhoek Magistrate Monica Andjaba has dismissed an application to quash or throw out charges against the former Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform, Mac Hengari, and his co-accused, aged 30. The two were jailed in late April for attempting to pay a bribe to a 21-year-old woman who accused the former minister, Dr Hengari, of rape. They face charges of obstructing the course of justice, read with provisions of the Riotous Assemblies Act, as well as corruptly giving gratification as inducement, incitement to commit an offence of compounding, and contravening Section 34 of the ACC Act of 2003. Magistrate Andjaba said that to quash the charges because they do not include the underlying rape charge as of yet would be premature and would prejudice the administration of justice, as the State should be afforded the chance to lead evidence before charges can be thrown out. Full story to follow.
