Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema-Gaomas has condemned an incident involving a man who allegedly forced a minor to smoke a hookah pipe.
The suspect, Doctor Mbeheva (28), allegedly unlawfully and intentionally encouraged the child to use a flavoured tobacco product at Otjomuise in Windhoek over the weekend.
He has since been arrested.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, Kantema said the ministry is treating the matter with “the utmost seriousness and urgency” and confirmed that the case is under active police investigation.
“It is with a heavy heart that I address a deeply troubling incident.
“The safety, health, and well-being of our children are paramount, and any act that endangers their welfare is completely unacceptable,” she said.
While details of the incident remain limited due to the ongoing investigation, Kantema-Gaomas stressed the government’s zero tolerance approach to child abuse.
“As custodians of child protection, we condemn in the strongest terms any form of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
“We are working closely with law-enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served and that the rights of this vulnerable child are protected,” she said.
The minister further called on the public to play a role in child protection.
“I urge every member of our society to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of child abuse or endangerment,” she said.
