Chief Immanuel #Nu-Axa /Gaseb said traditional leaders were supposed to speak out against such horrific crimes but had, so far, failed to be heard.

The chief of the !Oe#Gan, a Damara clan, called on traditional leaders to address the issue at grassroots level by educating followers about self-respect and moral issues.

"We are in the community and are well linked to tackle such problems through preventive measures. We are directly linked with the people, including the criminals, and need to come up with ways to prevent these horrific crimes," he said.

/Gaseb also appealed to the Government and courts to send a clear message to would-be criminals through heavy sentences.

However, he warned people not to take the law into their own hands.

He made the statement following the recent rape and murder of six-year-old Rachel Hamatundu in Swakopmund.

Three days later, the body of three-year-old Manuela Sofia //Hoesemas was found in the old Katutura cinema - also believed to have been raped and then murdered.

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