Forensics expert assistant commissioner Nelius Becker will be part of the investigation into the recent string of child murders at Okahandja, which has left the country reeling in shock.
“I am not the investigative officer, but I am helping out on the forensics side,” Becker told The Namibian yesterday.
Namibia’s ‘Garden Town’ has been in the spotlight after three girls were allegedly raped and killed by an unknown perpetrator(s) still on the run.
The murders of Ingrid Maasdorp (5), Roswinds Fabianu (6) and Beyonce !Kharuxas (15) have sent shockwaves across the nation.
Ingrid was raped and murdered on 20 March, while Roswinds’ body was discovered behind a cemetery at Veddersdal on Friday after being reported missing the day before.
Beyonce’s body was discovered on Saturday.
Both Ingrid and Roswinds were pupils at KW von Marees Combined School, with their bodies discovered close to the school.
According to national police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, Beyonce had allegedly visited a bar with friends on Friday, where two men offered to buy them drinks.
She was found dead and allegedly raped at Five Rand informal settlement the next day, fuelling more anger and panic.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Sunday visited the bereaved families at Nau-Aib, alongside some public officials, including minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp and her deputy, Dino Ballotti.
Meanwhile, deputy executive director of education Ida Bohn said the ministry has met with various teachers and community members to discuss the children’s murders.
“The meeting commenced at 13h15 with Mr Ndafenongo as the director of ceremonies.
The meeting was attended by school management, teachers and staff from the various schools at Okahandja.
There is also representation from head office, Khomas region, and the National Institute for Educational Development,” she said.
She said the meeting revealed that the community fears for the safety of their children after the recent killings.
“There was a general sense that schools are not safe for teachers or pupils, and in many instances teachers’ valuables are stolen from school property.
“The challenge of pupils being dropped off at school by unknown taxi drivers and many of them walking to school was raised as of major concern.
“The taxi drivers are also dropping the children far from school, and very early, when there is no adult supervision,” Bohn said. She said the community told a ministerial committee consisting of Steenkamp, gender minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas, justice minister Wise Immanuel, and health and social services Esperance Luvindao that urgent interventions, including psychosocial support for pupils and teachers, were needed.
The community also suggested the installation of closed-circuit television cameras at schools, improved fencing, and stricter access control.
Other suggestions included de-bushing, military patrols, especially during early mornings and evenings, ensuring the standard of security companies and guards are improved, and for the National Youth Service to be engaged in providing additional security.
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