Max Henrich

ONGWEDIVA – The police in the Omusati region have arrested a young woman from the Omikwiiyu village for allegedly killing her newborn baby.

It is alleged the 19-year-old suspect gave birth to the baby girl in early April, wrapped her in a trouser, and buried the baby in a shallow grave near a water pan.

A villager discovered the body after spotting a dog carrying something suspicious on Tuesday at around 17h00. According to Omusati police commander Ismael Basson, the suspect was arrested at home.

“We are warning mothers who are dumping their babies that it is a crime. If you are not ready to take care of a baby, give him/her up for adoption,” said Basson.

Skeletal remains found 

Meanwhile, Omusati police has launched an investigation after human remains were discovered tied to a mopane tree at the Omahentundu village.

Community members found the remains as well as a pair of black shoes, a cream-coloured hat, a black trousers with a belt and a blue overall jacket.

Police are now investigating if the remains belong to a male person who was reported missing in Opuwo two months ago.  Basson said a missing person’s case was opened at the Opuwo police station by a concerned family after one of their relatives went missing at the end of February.  The family believes the skeleton is that of their missing relative. The remains discovered include a human skull, jaws and other unidentified pieces of bones that were scattered all over the same area. 

“A DNA test has to be done on the parents or any close relative of the deceased so that we can confirm if it’s their missing relative,” said Basson. 

It is suspected the victim committed suicide. Police investigations continue. In an unrelated incident, the police of Omusati are investigating a case in which a 14-year-old girl was raped and impregnated allegedly by her boyfriend.

“Even if the suspect and the victim are in a relationship, it is still a crime because the victim is a minor and is underage,” said Basson.

The suspect is known, but he has not yet been arrested. 

Police investigations continue.