The Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) is outraged over the reported assault of a female radio journalist allegedly by a senior male editor at a local daily newspaper.
Nampu, which advocates against violence and the sexual abuse women are subjected to in newsrooms at the hands of their male supremos, strongly condemned the latest incident.
The union further demands that the suspect faces the full wrath of the law.
According to Nampu’s acting secretary Jemima Beukes, the suspect, whose name is known to this publication but cannot be named until he appears in court, has a history of abusive conduct, which further adds to the gravity of the situation.
Beukes emphasised that gender-based violence, in all its manifestations, has no place in society.
“In the face of this tragedy, Nampu extends our support and commendation to the victim for her courageous decision to speak out against her assailant. For far too long, perpetrators of violence have exploited the silence of their victims. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victim and want to assure her that Nampu stands ready to offer our full support every step of the way,” Beukes said.
She added: “We will persist in our efforts to ensure accountability and justice in cases of violence and abuse within the industry”.
Efforts to get comments from the alleged victim were fruitless as her phone went unanswered.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance today.