ONGWEDIVA - There is a sudden increase in rape cases, and nearly four cases of rape are opened every week with the Oshana police, the region’s police commander has said.

A total of 71 rape cases have been reported over a period of six months in the villages of Oshandubala, Omeege and surrounding areas.

“Rape cases are on the rise, and we need to avoid sending out our daughters late at night. It is very dangerous because our young girls are in danger,” cautioned Oshana police commander, commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria.

Speaking at a community meeting last week with residents, he said many a times the rape victims are attacked by unknown perpetrators.

Sakaria emphasised how the girl-child is at risk every day, and that at the end of the day, the problem is with men.

“The virus in the country in us men is unknown, and we need to do everything possible to find a solution for this to stop,” he stressed.

He said if a man has sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16, it is considered rape.

“To have any sexual relation or sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16 is rape, regardless if there was consent or not,” added Sakaria.

He further warned employers from demanding sex from domestic workers in exchange for monies owed to them. 

“It is considered rape, and once a case is opened against the culprit, he will be locked away for a long time.”

Head of the gender-based violence sub-division in the Oshana region, chief inspector Kaarina Shiimi said sexual intercourse with a drunk person, with a mentally unstable individual and with someone you are related to, are all serious offences of rape.

“Back in the days, rape was seen as something that only happens to women. But now, anybody can be raped, be it men or children,” she noted.

“When rape occurs, avoid giving the child a bath or washing her clothes, especially the underwear. Take the child to hospital for inspection because the girl might contract an infection due to the rape,” said Shiimi.