WINDHOEK — The Oshana Police seem to have turned a blind eye to the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Sebastian Ndeitunga’s instruction that police officers should treat victims of gender-based violence (GBV) with urgency, sensitivity and dignity.
This comes in the wake of the police’s reluctance to arrest the alleged rapist who is the son of a prominent businessman and politician in the north. The man’s name cannot be revealed pending his appearance in court.
The victim, who opened a case on October 10, also alleged that the family of the suspect tried to bribe her with money, and that a police officer at Oshakati also tried to talk her into withdrawing the charges, which she refused.
Attempts to reach Oshana Police Commissioner Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa proved futile as his phone went unanswered and text messages were also not answered.
Ndeitunga instructed the police during the course of this year to accord victims confidentiality and compassion and cooperate so that culprits are arrested.
“It is misconduct of the highest order for a police officer not to adhere to this directive,” he said at the time, adding that it was unacceptable for police officers to treat victims inappropriately and such individuals would not be tolerated in the force.
Ndeitunga said if a victim of violence is mistreated at the charge office, they should seek other avenues such as complaining to the station commander, the regional commander or even going up to the level of the inspector-general’s (Ndeitunga’s) office.
President Hifikepunye and Prime Minister Hage Geingob have also called for the end of all forms of violence against women and girls in the country.
Swapo’s Politburo proposed measures and interventions, which were also endorsed by Cabinet, that government address the alarming situation of GBV that include amending laws to provide stiffer sentences, to tighten requirements for bail in cases of GBV and for people convicted of GBV offences to be denied parole.
Women’s Solidarity Executive Director, Rosa Namises, expressed outrage this week about the alleged rape. She said she was dismayed at the conduct of the Oshana police in the alleged rape case.
“It’s clear how police usually respond when community members with high status are involved,” she said.
She questioned the police’s commitment to fighting GBV, such as rape and domestic violence.
Namises took a swipe at the alleged rapist, saying that it is an illustration of how some men are just concerned about themselves, their dignity, identity and image, but do not care about the trauma the victims undergo.