Environment ministry slams tourist over abuse of San children

The environment ministry has condemned a British tourist accused of sexually exploiting San children at a cultural site in the Otjozondjupa region.

The tourist (64) was arrested for allegedly instructing San children to undress and photographing them at the Grashoek Living Museum in the Tsumkwe West area.

Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela says the incident is a gross violation of the children’s rights to privacy, dignity and protection, and shows a deep disrespect for the San community’s cultural heritage.

“It also constitutes a serious violation of Namibia’s laws regarding the protection of minors, and goes against the requisite ethical conduct while engaging with indigenous communities,” Hamunyela said in a statement issued yesterday.

She says the ministry supports the protection of children as articulated in Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution, which addresses respect for human dignity.

“It is unacceptable for any visitor, foreign or local, to exploit or objectify indigenous communities or their children for any purpose, including photography. Respect for human dignity and cultural sensitivity must be central to all tourism activities in our country,” Hamunyela says.

The ministry further urges tour operators, guides and visitors to familiarise themselves with responsible tourism guidelines and to maintain ethical conduct when interacting with local communities.

“Tourism in Namibia must serve to promote cultural understanding, mutual respect, and socio-economic development – not to exploit or objectify our indigenous communities,” Hamunyela says.

She calls on Namibians to report such “inhumane acts” to the authorities and commends the police for their swift response.

“We applaud the police for the swift action in attending to the matter, and we are confident that the law will take its course,” she says.

The police say the suspect allegedly also touched the children inappropriately.

Head of community affairs in the Otjozondjupa region senior inspector Maureen Mbeha says the suspect allegedly molested 16 teenage girls.

Fourteen teenage boys and three younger boys were also allegedly fondled.

In return, the children were reportedly given sweets and money.

Some of the nudes were reportedly found on the man’s camera, which was confiscated by officers at Maroelaboom Police Station during his arrest.

The suspect, who entered the country on 15 May, is expected to appear in the
Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court this week.

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