Eveline de Klerk

WALVIS BAY - The police at Walvis Bay have intensified patrols, especially in the Tutaleni area, as fear grips women living alone after a spate of rape incidents were reported at the town.

Community affairs commander, Inspector Ileni Shapumba said at least three cases of rape have been filed by women at the town.
One woman who was reportedly also raped declined to lay a charge.

The latest case of rape was reported in Tutaleni on Saturday morning whereby a 28-year-old woman was raped at gunpoint by an unknown man who was dressed like a fish factory worker.

A concerned Shapumba yesterday during an interview said that the alleged rapist has instilled fear among women, especially those that are living alone at the town.

“We are not taking this lightly as infringing and violating women is a serious matter that should be delt with.  Hence, we have intensified our crime prevention initiatives, especially in Tutaleni as well as areas frequently used by women coming and going to work,” he said.

Shapumba added the police will now ensure the persons responsible for defiling women are arrested, while guaranteeing the safety of residents.
“We have been going from home to home and we can see that our women are living in fear, but it should not be the case,” he said.
He added that there has been some information coming from the public that have been followed up.  However, he said, the current Covid-19 regulations that requires one to wear a mask in public makes it a bit harder to obtain a clearer description of the suspect (s).
He also said earlier this week, the police were called to a house where a suspicious looking man was wandering around.
The man fled after noticing the police.