Mulisa Simiyasa 

GROOTFONTEIN – The British tourist detained at Maroelaboom Police Station is seeking release on bail of N$50 000. 

He was arrested over the alleged Tsumkwe West nude photographs of San children at the Grashoek Living Museum in May this year. 

Douglas Robert Brooks (65) has been in custody since May. 

He informed the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court through his lawyer Thomas Andima on Monday that he did not intentionally photograph the 33 children. 

The children are accusing him of rape, child labour, exploitation, indecent assault, crimen injuria and trafficking in persons. 

Brooks said he should be allowed to secure accommodation at a hotel and provide the address to the investigating officer. 

“The applicant should also report daily or three times a week at the nearest police station,” he said. 

Brooks proposed never to leave the Grootfontein district without police permission. 

His lawyer argued that being naked or partially dressed is a San tradition in Tsumkwe. 

He said Brooks innocently took such photographs as a tourist for artistic purposes. 

The State, represented by prosecutor Kristiana Erastus, objected to the bail. 

She stated that out of the 2 000 photographs Brooks took, 1 500 were of the individuals being nude. 

Andima argued that Brooks should not be discriminated against on the basis of his nationality, as this might discourage tourists who contribute significantly to Namibia’s foreign currency earnings. 

He further stated that throughout the court proceedings, the State failed to present any of the so-called nude photographs it claims Brooks took in Tsumkwe. 

Erastus dismissed Andima’s arguments, stating that Brooks would abscond, as his only home is thousands of kilometres away from Namibia. 

She said Brooks should remain in custody until his case is finalised. 

“The San children he photographed are still traumatised and attending counselling sessions. How will they feel to hear Brooks is out on bail?” Erastus questioned. 

She concluded her arguments by stating that the State, through its two witnesses – a social worker and investigating officer – presented sufficient evidence to show it has a strong case against Brooks. 

Brooks entered Namibia on 15 May 2025 en route to the Zambezi region. 

Magistrate Boniface Konga on Monday promised to deliver a ruling on the bail application on Friday. 

– Nampa