ONGWEDIVA-the Namibian police recently reported cases of rape, including those of three minors, of whom the youngest is a 19-month-old boy, who was allegedly sexually assaulted at Epangwe village in the Ohangwena region. 

 The police said 346 rape cases were reported in three months this year.

In January, 131 cases were reported; 95 in February, while 120 rape cases were reported in March countrywide.

Three of the suspects have been arrested and were remanded in custody when they made their first court appearances last week. 

According to the crime investigations coordinator in Omusati, Moses Simaho, on Sunday, a 47-year-old woman raped a mentally challenged 22-year-old man at Omunyele village in Outapi.

It is alleged the suspect had sexual intercourse with the victim, who is not mentally stable. 

The suspect has not yet been arrested, and investigations into the matter continue. 

On the same weekend, a nine-year-old girl was raped at night in Olukekete village, Omusati region.

It is alleged a known adult man, who is not yet arrested, found the minor sleeping in the room.

 He then removed her clothes and had sexual intercourse with her.

A 60-year-old man was remanded in custody following his appearance in the Okongo Magistrate’s Court last week.

He is accused of raping his 11-year-old son. 

According to the authorities, the incident took place on dates unknown between January and March this year at Omushiyo village in the Ohangwena region. 

It is alleged the suspect raped his son whenever his wife was not at home. 

Meanwhile, police in Omusati are investigating a rape case involving an eight-old boy, who was allegedly raped while tending to goats in the Onaanda area of the Elim constituency. 

Omusati police chief Titus Shikongo said the suspect, who is yet to be arrested, allegedly found the boy looking after goats, and raped him.

He also allegedly threatened to kill the victim if he reported the incident to anyone. 

The suspect is an adult Namibian male from Okathitu B village, the police said. 

These cases follow after a man in Ohangwena reportedly raped his toddler son. 

His case was postponed to 28 September 2022 to allow for further police investigations and a formal bail application. 

The horrific crimes reportedly took place at Epangwe village in the Ohangwena region during March and on the night of 12 April while the accused was allegedly left alone at home with his 19-month-old biological son when the mother went to Okongo.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na