OSHAKATI - The Ohangwena region recorded 149 rape cases and five attempted murder cases related to gender-based violence (GBV) between January and September this year.

This was revealed by the Namibian Police Force regional commander for Ohangwena, Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa on Wednesday.

Kashuupulwa told Nampa the region recorded the highest number of rape cases in February with 25 cases, 14 arrests and 11 perpetrators yet to be arrested, while August recorded the lowest with 12 rape cases, eight arrests and four suspects to be arrested.

“The police managed to arrest 98 suspects in rape-related cases and five suspects in attempted murder cases,” she said.

Kashuupulwa further stated that 15 cases of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and assault through threatening were perpetrated against minor victims, of which 13 suspects have so far been apprehended in the cases.

Thirty-five rape cases read with domestic violence were recorded and resulted in the arrest of all 35 perpetrators.

In order to address the issue of rape and GBV, Kashuupulwa indicated that they will be embarking on various educative programmes to sensitise the public on how best to address the matter.

She added that they will also visit schools, traditional leaders and do thorough investigations to apprehend outstanding suspects.

- Nampa