An unusual case of rape was reported in Oshana region this week, where a 55-year-old woman allegedly sexually assaulted her 18-year-old male cousin.
According to Oshana police commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria, the woman allegedly raped the man on Valentine’s Day, but the incident was only reported on Monday 20 February.
The alleged rape took place at the suspect’s house in Oshekasheka village of Ongwediva constituency.
According to Lungameni, the teenager was visiting his older cousin (the suspect) who was reportedly ill.
During his visit, the woman allegedly summoned the young man to her room. She then locked the door as soon as he entered. She then started fondling his private parts, asking him to have sex with her.
According to the police, the woman proceeded by grabbing the teenager, pushed him onto her bed, undressed him, and forced herself on him.
The woman has been arrested and police investigations continue.
A community social worker, Saima Ashipala said Namibians need to be educated about rape, as they still don’t understand what it constitutes.
‘’Many people think that rape only happens to women by men, which is wrong. Forcing yourself on a man is rape,” stressed Ashipala.
She further said, many female rape perpetrators go unpunished, as men are often embarrassed and shy away from reporting rape committed against them.
That sometimes is the reason why some men commit suicide without leaving notes, according to Ashipala.
“I am urging all men going through this or facing such a situation to please come out and report this to social workers or nearest police,’’ she advised.
-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na