Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Omusati region has seen an increase in rape cases, with incidents frequently involving minors and women.
The Omusati regional police commander, Commissioner Ismael Basson, said that girl children, minor boys, and women are not safe in the Omusati region.
“Hardly a week passes without a rape case being reported, coming from amongst other fathers, uncles, and other close male members that are supposed to be the guardian angels of these minors – boys and girls. This gives me sleepless nights, but I will not relent, the struggle shall continue,” said Basson.
A church leader from a village in the Tsandi constituency recently faced accusations of repeatedly raping his 15-year-old stepdaughter, who has since given birth.
The girl’s mother allegedly reported the incidents to the police in July 2023. The suspect has reportedly fled to his mother’s home in the Oshana region.
In another case, a 19-year-old man allegedly raped a six-year-old girl at her home in Onandjandja village, Onesi Constituency.
The incident took place in May 2024.
“It is alleged that the suspect, who is residing in the same house as the victim, called the victim a minor to his sleeping room, undressed the victim (the minor), and had sexual intercourse with a minor who cannot give consent,” he said.
The suspect, a student at David Sheehama Secondary School in Outapi, was arrested and charged.
He is expected to appear before the magistrate’s court in Outapi on 5 August.
On 3 August, a 19-year-old male allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl in her room at Onaniki village in Tsandi constituency.
Basson said the suspect, a neighbour of the victim, was arrested.
In a separate incident, a 20-year-old man allegedly entered the unlocked rental room of a 21-year-old Angolan woman and raped her.
Bassin said the incident occurred around 01h00 on 3 August at Oshikuku Town.
The suspect was arrested and charged, with alcohol abuse noted as a contributing factor.
He is expected to appear before the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on 5 August.
The police investigations into these cases are ongoing.
