An 11-year-old pupil was reportedly raped by an unknown man while on her way to school on Tuesday morning in Ondangwa.

Oshana police spokesperson Inspector Thomas Aiyambo said the Grade 6 girl, was on her usual route passing through the dumping site when she was attacked. 

The assailant, allegedly unknown to the victim, grabbed her, and subjected her to sexual assault.

Aiyambo, expressed concern and issued a caution to parents, urging them to either accompany their children to school or ensure they walk with their peers to mitigate the risk of such incidents.

No arrests have been made, and police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Recently, education executive director Sanet Steenkamp appealed to parents to ensure that pupils safely get to and from school, saying the onus rests on their shoulders. 

She said it is also imperative for teachers at schools to ensure that learners are picked up and handed over to those tasked with picking them up, especially the younger ones. 

Steenkamp was reacting to an incident of an eight-year-old girl who got lost while walking back home from the Fidel Castro Primary School on the first day of school on Monday. She was taken to the Katutura police station but has since been reunited with her family.

In another incident in Oshana region, a 19-year-old woman was raped at her home in Ongwediva. 

The 20-year-old suspect allegedly broke into the victim’s residence, and tied her hands and legs, and covered her eyes and mouth with tape.

The police said the suspect also stole the victim’s money and damaged some of her property. 

He has since been apprehended and is set to appear in Oshakati Magistrate’s Court today.

Meanwhile, in Oshikoto region a 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her father. The incident is said to have transpired in October last year.According to the police, the victim shared a bed with her father when he allegedly raped her.

- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na.