A mother of an eight-year-old girl, who has reportedly been molested by multiple family members, is raising concerns with the gender equality ministry regarding the decision to return her daughter to the custody of those accused of the abuse.
The 36-year-old woman, whose identity cannot be revealed to protect the identity of the minor, took to social media to share her disbelief in the way her daughter’s case has been handled.
The minor resided with her grandmother in a village in the Oshikoto region – where the alleged sexual violation took place.
The woman, who resides in Windhoek recently visited the village and noticed the discomfort that the child was experiencing while walking.
She said upon enquiry, the child revealed that five family members had been sexually abusing her.
This prompted the woman to take the child to Windhoek.
However, the stay was short-lived when the officials from the gender equality ministry and Namibian Police allegedly stormed her home, pepper-sprayed her, and forcefully removed the child from her care, citing that she was mentally unfit.
The child was then returned to the care of the grandmother and aunt.
“I told you already from the first video that they want a paper that says I am mentally unfit. They coached my little girl to speak against me in court… Somebody please tell me what is going on here,” said the mother on social media.
On Friday, local activist and politician Michael Amushelelo, alongside several community members, held a protest and handed over a petition to the gender equality ministry.
However, the ministry’s spokesperson Lukas Haufiku said the child was taken back into the custody of the grandmother who has cared for her since birth, after the case was dismissed in court.
He said there was no evidence that the minor was sexually abused as claimed by the mother.
The removal of the child from the custody of the mother into that of the grandmother was done in compliance with the court order.
“Social workers, in executing their duties are guided by rigorous training, and strictly adhere to all procedures as outlined in Namibian law and international child protection standards,” he said.
He further said dissemination of unverified claims suggesting that procedures were not followed or implying hidden agendas are harmful, erodes public trust, damages the reputation of professionals, and jeopardises the child protection system.
“Unfortunately, the misinformation has led to the harassment of one of the social workers involved, both in person and on social media, impacting their personal and professional well-being,” shared Hausiku.
He said this harassment equates to punishment, and the public is, therefore, urged to refrain from harassing government officials as they carry out their official duties.
Efforts to get comment from the minor’s grandmother and aunt proved futile.
-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na