The Oshakati Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to the headman of Oshali West village in the Ohangwena region, who is accused of raping one of his subjects.
Abrosius Nghalipo, who is also a retired soldier, appeared in court on Tuesday for allegedly raping a 33-year-old man from his village at gunpoint.
Ever since the perpetration of the alleged rape, the victim has been unable to control his bowel movements and is constantly itching, New Era understands.
He is also struggling mentally, his family stated.
It is alleged that on 21 August 2024 around midnight, Nghalipo requested the victim to accompany him to an unspecified location in the village.
The two had been at separate spots at Omadenga cuca shops when Nghalipo allegedly approached the victim. Narration from primary sources is that the victim complied and followed the accused, as he was the ‘headman’ of their village.
From the shops, Nghalipo allegedly drove past the village houses, and headed to a deserted area covered by palm trees and shrubs. After bringing his car to a standstill, he allegedly instructed the victim to exit. “He told me that he would ask me to do something, but if I refused, he would end my life,” the victim narrated the ordeal that would change his life, forever.
At gunpoint, the accused allegedly instructed the young man to undress and lie on the ground on a bedsheet and pillow which he had in his car.
“After he raped me, he started fondling my private parts and told me that I should have sex with him as well, but I refused. He then told me to get back in the car, and dropped me near the cuca shops,” continued the victim.
The victim said he walked back home, woke up his family, and shared his traumatic experience.
The police were afterwards called. While the victim and his family were in the company of police officers, Nghalipo allegedly repeatedly called the victim’s brother.
“I ignored him for some time, but the police officers told me to answer, and put him on loudspeaker. He asked me if I had heard something, and when I said, ‘yes,’ he just ended the call,” stated the victim’s brother.
The victim underwent a medical examination at the Oshakati Hospital, and it was confirmed that he had been sexually violated, the brother added.
Three more male villagers allegedly disclosed that they had been sexually assaulted in a similar manner, but had not reported the incidents.
They claimed they were offered bribes, including money. Some had otombo [traditional brew] bought for them, and also promised water installations at their homes. It is unclear if they were raped by the headman in question, or by different perpetrators.