Mulisa Simiyasa

GROOTFONTEIN  – Nearly 1 500 nude photos of San children were allegedly found in  the camera the police confiscated from the 65-year-old British tourist arrested after allegedly photographing naked boys and girls from the San Community at the Grashoek Living Meseum in Tsumkwe West.

Detective Warrant Officer Richard Muronga, who is investigating the case, revealed this information during the accused, Douglas Robert Brooks’ bail application hearing in court on Friday afternoon at the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Brooks through his private lawyer, Thomas Andima, brought forward a bail application on 17 June 2025, and continued next-day when it was postponed to 27 June 2025 after Andima and State Prosecutor, Kristiana Erastus exchanged long arguments in court on whether or not Brooks should be granted bail.

The State objected to granting of bail, citing a fear that Brooks may interfere with witnesses and investigations, also on basis that he is a foreign national with no permanent home or relatives in Namibia.

Muronga, on Friday also opposed the granting of bail, saying Brooks might abscond as he faces a serious case.

The officer said during investigations he discovered shocking naked photos allegedly taken by Brooks at Tsumkwe of 33 San children.

“More than 2 000 photos were found in total on his digital camera, and out this nearly 1 500 photos of boys and girls were completely nude, which is not allowed in any country, so Brooks committed a punishable crime, which he knows,” said Muronga.

When asked what he thinks was the purpose for such nude photos, he suggested photos were taken for pornographic purposes.

Lawyer Andima on his side told court that his client Brooks will not run away and is prepared to face all allegations levelled against him.

“The picture of Brooks was circulated in all print and electronic media platforms. Therefore, he has nowhere to hide in this world,” said Andima.

Magistrate Boniface Konga on Friday postponed the matter to 11 July 2025 for submission of arguments by the State and Andima before he passes the ruling on the bail application.

Brooks face 38 charges, including rape, child labour, exploitation, indecent assault, crimen injuria and trafficking in persons.

He remains in police custody. 

– Nampa