A woman from Oshigambo was on Sunday arrested shortly after she allegedly dumped a newly born baby girl in bushes. 
The 34-year-old was apprehended following the community’s intervention that alerted the police.
The incident happened at Ekondo location where a passer-by found the naked infant in the palm tree straws and then alerted elderly women in the area who were able to trace the suspect to her home by following bloodstains, according to Oshikoto crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Naomi Katjiua.

“The police found two ladies in the house when they arrived at the scene and one of them admitted to committing the crime. The suspect claimed she dumped the baby because the alleged father denied the pregnancy. The baby is in a health condition weighing 2.3 kg and is now admitted to the Onandjokwe state hospital together with her mother,” stated Katjiua.

In addition, Katjiua said the suspect is facing concealment of birth and attempted murder charges. 
The suspect has since been referred to social workers to receive counselling before she can appear in court. 
Meanwhile, three rape cases involving minor girls were also reported in the region last week.

The latest rape case is that of a nine-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a 19-year-old male while on her way home from a nearby village. 
According to Katjiua, the incident happened in the area of Omuntele when the suspect pulled the victim to a nearby earth dam before raping her under coercive circumstances.

The suspect has since been arrested and appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court where he was denied bail.
An eight-year-old also fell victim at the hands of her housemate who allegedly defiled her several times during December. The heinous acts only came to light last week Tuesday when the victim confided in her father who came for a visit. 

The incident happened at Onamukuku in the Onankali area.
It is alleged the suspect has been visiting the victim at night.
The suspect and victim are not related. 

The suspect was arrested and appeared on Wednesday in Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court where he was denied bail.
Furthermore, Katjiua said on the same day, another case was reported whereby a 12-year-old was raped by her uncle aged 20. The incident happened at Elonga village when the suspect pounced on the vulnerable victim who was alone in the house. 
The suspect was also denied bail. 
- osimasiku@nepc.com.na