Steven Klukowski

KEETMANSHOOP – The Keetmanshoop community expressed their anguish over the repeated rape of a four-year-old girl in the Iileni informal settlement earlier in the week.

Confirming the incident, Namibian Police’s //Kharas commander David Indongo said the suspect has been arrested and denied bail during his first appearance in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court last Friday.

“When apprehended, he was even found with a blood-stained towel, allegedly from injuries sustained by the victim during her traumatic ordeal, being raped repeatedly,” said the police chief.

//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick described the incident as surpassing the borders of humanity and dignity. “As a woman, I cannot comprehend fully such an act,” she said.

The governor condemned the incident and also placed her hope in the judiciary to deal with the culprit decisively.

Percy Charlies, a community activist in the town, said it is indeed saddening that such incidents are still prevailing in a country where freedom is guaranteed to all. “I strongly call on more actions from all respected institutions to bring about more measures needed in terms of the safety of our vulnerable members of the community,’’ he added.

Charlies also requested for more regular police presence in these areas, which he claimed they do not even have street spray lights to make visibility better at night.

‘’Let the law please deal with such perpetrators in an appropriate manner,’’ said the activist.

Community members told this publication that a peaceful demonstration would be imminent as a result of the incident. – sklukowski@nepc.cpm.na