A police officer in the Ohangwena region has been arrested for allegedly raping his daughter since 2020.

The alleged incidents happened at his house.

The 44-year-old officer was denied bail when he appeared in the Eenhana Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

His case has been postponed to 7 October for further police investigation.

Deputy commissioner Zachariah Amakali narrated that the father was arrested on Monday after the victim (15) notified her Life Skills’ teacher.

“She told her teacher that she is tired of allegedly being raped by the father,” he added.

It is alleged that the suspect has had sexual intercourse with his daughter without protection or consent on several occasions. 

Amakali said they are investigating these allegations about the suspect, in which he allegedly instructed his daughter to take morning-after pills [emergency contraceptives].

The victim has been removed from her father’s house.

Shocked, police inspector general Joseph Shikongo described the incident involving one of his members as disturbing. 

“When police officers are committing crimes, it is embarrassing to the community members,” he said.

Shikongo stressed that the police should set a good example at all times.

“We can’t have police who are committing crimes while they are supposed to fight against crime,” he added.

Shikongo reiterated that he is concerned about men who are raping their relatives, especially minors.

“Kids are no longer safe. Men, let’s stop raping women. It is an embarrassment,” he said.

Shikongo indicated that a high number of rape cases have been reported in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions this year.

Between January and September last year, Ohangwena recorded 149 rape cases and five attempted murder cases related to gender-based violence (GBV).

Mothers who spoke to New Era yesterday said daughters are no longer safe with their fathers.

“We don’t sleep well whenever our kids are at their fathers’ houses. It is not easy,” she stated.

Earlier this year, New Era reported that in a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl from the Oshana region was reported raped by the father, who is a school principal.

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na