Mulisa Simiyasa 

GROOTFONTEIN – A 65-year-old British tourist arrested Sunday after allegedly instructing San children at the Grashoek Living Museum in Tsumkwe West to undress and photographed them, has been denied bail by the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court.

Robert Douglas Brooks, who was accompanied by his privately-hired lawyer Thomas Andima, appeared before Magistrate Abraham Abraham on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Kristiana Erastus, representing the State, strongly objected to the granting of bail, saying Brooks is a foreigner who might abscond as he is well-aware that he faces a serious and sensitive matter.

“It will also not be in the best interest of the general public and that of the administration of justice if he is released on bail, while police investigations are still at an infant stage,” said Erastus.

Brooks was then remanded in police custody, and his case was postponed to 19 and 20 June 2025 for further police investigations, and to allow him ample time to apply for bail.

He faces 38 charges, including rape, child labour, exploitation, indecent assault, crimen injuria and trafficking in persons, prosecutor Erastus said in court.

The Namibian Police’s head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa region, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha told Nampa Brooks had allegedly fondled the San children’s private parts and in return, the boys and girls were reportedly compensated with money and sweets.

“The suspect allegedly touched the breasts and buttocks of 16 teenage girls, while 14 teen boys and three minor boys were allegedly also touched on their private parts,” Mbeha said.

Some of the nude photographs of the children were allegedly found on Brooks’ camera, which was confiscated at the Maroelaboom police station when he was arrested.

The court heard that he entered Namibia as a tourist on 15 May 2025. As he has been arrested, he will need to apply for an extension to his stay to remain in Namibia legally.

-Nampa