Staff Writer
In the last three years at least 52 pensioners have been sexually assaulted across the country.
So far this year, the police have recoded eight rape cases, according to figures presented to the Windhoek Observer by Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo.
In 2019 nine pensioners were raped, in 2020, 20 and 15 pensioners were raped last year of which all victims were female and range between the ages of 60 and 85 years of age. According to the data, Oshikoto Region recorded the most assaults with 12 rape cases, whereas Omaheke region did not report any pensioner raped in the last three years. Erongo had three rape cases, Hardap, Kunene, and Karas had two each, Khomas, Kavango East, and Kavango West had five, Ohangwena seven, Omusati had eight, and Oshana, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi regions each had one. Shikongo said the victims were either violated in their homes or in bushes close to cuca shops. In the most recent case it is alleged that a 65-year-old pensioner was raped on October 2 between 23h00 and 00h00 in the Khomas Region. The pensioner was allegedly sexually abused by two men aged 23 and 29.
However not all rape suspects have been apprehended. However, Shikongo remains adamant that they will all be arrested.
“The Namibian Police Force remain committed to ensure that all the fugitives that are on the run are arrested and brought before court,” promised Shikongo.
