The girl (5) who suffered a brutal assault by her cousins at her aunt and uncle’s home in the Omaheke region has been released from the hospital and is now in a stable condition.
Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare spokesperson Lukas Haufiku said on Monday she is expected to make a full recovery.
Haufiku was prompted to address the issue after a widely circulated video trended in which the victim was questioned about the assault.
He said the incident occurred at the end of July.
Implicated in the assault are the victim’s three cousins, aged six, eight and 12.
“The ministry noted with shock a recent incident of child abuse in the Omaheke region which has ignited widespread condemnation and public concern,” said Haufiku.
He said the horrific incident is in violation of the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015 (Act No. 3 of 2015) and labelled it a “barbaric act” that is unequivocally condemned by the ministry.
Haufiku also clarified the legal implications for minors.
“Although under Namibian law, a child under the age of seven cannot be held liable for a criminal offence they can be held liable if the case can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
He said the ministry recognised the complexity of the situation, and noted that the aunt, victim, and perpetrators are all receiving psychosocial support.
“It is crucial to bear in mind that the perpetrators are also minors, underscoring the need to assist them in comprehending the consequences of their actions, which they may not have fully understood when they committed the crime,” he said.
The ministry warned the public against committing similar acts of violence.
“The ministry is hereby warning the public to refrain from committing similar acts of this nature as it might lead to serious consequences for the perpetrators,” Haufiku said.
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