Hertta-Maria Amutenja
In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves through the nation, a five-year-old girl was hospitalized after enduring abuse by her three minor cousins, aged 6, 8, and 12.
The incident, which occurred in a village in the Omaheke Region, has raised concerns about child safety and protection.
Her ordeal was brought to light when a distressing video capturing her injuries circulated on social media.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi stressed that this incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing necessity to prevent child abuse and safeguard vulnerable children.
“This incident is a reminder of the importance of preventing child abuse. If you suspect that a child is being abused, please report it to the authorities. You can also call the Childline helpline at 106 or the Namibian Police at 10111 or any Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare office near you,” she said.
Shikwambi shared that the unfortunate event unfolded while the girl’s aunt and uncle were attending a funeral.
“The aunt and uncle were not home at the time of the incident, they had gone to a funeral. The case has been reported to the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Welfare and Child Welfare. The ministry’s social worker in Gobabis investigated the matter,” said Shikwambi
In a video circulating on social, media the girl appears to have suffered physical injuries, including swollen eyes that could not open, visible wounds on the face, and apparent burn marks on her back.
Despite the public outcry for the arrest of the adult perpetrator, Shikwambi clarified that under Namibian law, children under the age of seven cannot be held criminally liable, emphasising the importance of considering developmental stages and other factors when addressing such cases.
She said that support systems have been put in place for all parties involved, including the aunt, the victim, and the perpetrators to help them cope with the trauma and that the child has been relocated from the house where the abuse occurred and has returned to live with her mother.
Furthermore, Shikwambi said a medical report, known as a J88 form, detailing the extent of injuries sustained has been submitted to the police, who are conducting their investigation.
In another incident earlier this month, a woman was arrested for physically assaulting her six-year-old child in the Greenwell Matongo area of Windhoek.
The accused’s actions were also captured in a distressing video that also went viral on social media.
