KATIMA MULILO – A case of child trafficking and exploitation has come to light in Choto Compound, Katima Mulilo, where a Namibian woman has been arrested for allegedly employing an underage Zambian girl for domestic labour.
Bwezila Sitobohile (35) and her co-accused Sakufeka Kutepa, whose age is yet to be determined, appeared before the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of human trafficking.
State Prosecutor Sylvious Malange informed the court that the duo are facing serious charges.
He proposed a bail amount of N$10 000 each, particularly in the case of Kutepa, whom he said the State considers a potential flight risk due to his nationality.
However, Magistrate Beatrice Sinyama Sibalatani reduced the bail to N$5 000 for the Namibian national.
They will return to court on 1 October 2025 to allow the police to further investigate the matter.
The duo indicated that they would conduct their own defences in the matter.
It is alleged that the two worked together to coerce, recruit, transport and employ an 11 year-old Zambian girl as a ‘domestic worker’ at Sitobohile’s residence in the Chotto Compound since February this year, where she was to be paid a monthly salary of N$500.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the victim never received any salary payments.
“An investigation was lodged after a report of child abuse was received by members of the community, where the victim was rescued from the employer and is now at a safe house,” the police’s preliminary report indicates.
Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed that Sitobohile is accused of recruiting, transporting and employing the minor illegally.
Authorities are treating the case as a serious violation of child protection and labour laws.
Police have indicated that further arrests may follow as investigations continue to unfold.
“The Namibian Police remain committed to protecting vulnerable members of our society, especially children,” said Shikwambi.
She highlighted the need for continued vigilance and community involvement in exposing such crimes.
-Additional reporting by Nampa