WALVIS BAY- Students and residents of Walvis Bay yesterday called upon the Judiciary not to grant bail to an alleged rapist. They protested in front of the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court when community activist Irvin Basil Summers made his first appearance for allegedly raping a minor girl last year.
Shortly afterwards, Summers, in a seemly jovial mood, entered the court despite facing a rape charge.
“Take enough pictures of me and greet the people outside,” he said, before entering the courtroom for his first appearance.
State prosecutor Annakleta Kandjimi, during Summers’ first appearance, indicated the State will not allow bail at this stage due to the ongoing investigation.
“Due to the nature and propensity of the case and because the accused might interfere with the case,” she said.
Magistrate John Sindano then informed Summers that he can apply for State-funded legal representation or private lawyers to represent him.
“You can conduct your defence but it is advised that you obtain legal representation due to the nature of the case,” Sindano said.
The case was postponed to 11 October for further investigations, however, Summers can in the meantime formally apply for bail.
Fear men
One of the protesters, Japan Jason, who also expressed her concern over rapes in the community, said they fear men.
The rapists are known to us. It is our brothers, uncles, neighbours and fathers. Sadly, they are the ones supposed to protect us. Therefore, no one accused of rape should be granted bail,” she appealed.
Community activist Knowledge Ipinge, who was also at court, condemned the alleged act and called for improved measures to protect women and children.
According to Ipinge, it is unacceptable that people disguise themselves as community leaders and take advantage of vulnerable women and children.
“We cannot allow such monsters in our community, and that is why I am here in solidarity with the minor and her family. We want to send a strong message to the justice system that we will be opposing bail,” Ipinge said.
However, family members New Era spoke to said the alleged rape took place last year, when the family was renting from Summers, however, the girl broke her silence on Saturday afternoon after Summers allegedly approached her and offered her N$500 to have sex with her.
According to the source, the victim’s behaviour changed so much that she experienced problems at school, and she also started smoking cannabis.
They could not understand how their well-mannered child became so problematic.
According to her, her niece finally spoke out on Saturday evening when the suspect tried to lure her away while she was in the company of an adult.
“She confided in her mother’s friend on Saturday shortly after the incident – and after being persuaded, she told her parents too. They went to the police, which led to his arrest,” the source said.
The victim’s father on Monday also said he is shattered as a father and cannot comprehend that a man with daughters could do this to someone else’s child.
“I am angry; so angry that I almost beat him up. How could he do this to my child? This is not okay,” said the devasted father.