Rape, murder victim heard screaming for help

A woman (35), Delysia Garoes, was found dead in a riverbed at Katutura’s Gamengde area in the cold early yesterday morning in what police suspect to be a case of rape and murder.

One of Garoes’ neighbours, who preffered to remain anonymous, said they saw and heard her screaming for help while she was lying in the riverbed.

The incident is believed to have occurred around 06h30. Some community members reported that when they first arrived at the scene, Garoes was still conscious and whispering a name, suggesting she may have been trying to identify her attacker.

“Although we did not see anyone else there when she was screaming for the person to let her go, we as a community believe that she was raped and murdered because of the state she was in and the words she was saying before she passed away,” the neighbour said. Garoes, who was a mother of four, was remembered for her calming aura and positive energy.

Her brother, Fistus Garoeb (38), could not hold back tears while describing his sister.

“My sister was a people’s person full of life, very joyful and mostly very talkative and, to be honest, I can’t believe she is gone just like that,” he said.

Garoeb told The Namibian he was at home sleeping when he was informed by the neighbours that his sister was lying in the riverbed, hurt and helpless.

“I immediately ran out of the house thinking I could help her but by the time I got there, she was dead. When I arrived, someone who had seen her earlier said she was only moving and couldn’t speak anymore,” Garoeb said.

Garoes was reportedly wearing the same clothes she had on when she left the house, according to her brother.

‘WE ARE NOT SAFE’

Neighbour and community member Mercia Ortmann expressed concern about ongoing safety threats in the area.

“This neighbourhood is not safe anymore; as women we are not safe anymore, our children are not safe anymore – even at the schools. We’ve seen too many cases like this. There’s a nearby alcohol outlet where the suspect was often seen. We are demanding that place be shut down,” she said.

Ortmann called on law enforcement to step up patrols not only at Okahandja, but also around schools in the Gamengde area, where community members say crime has worsened.

The killing has renewed public anger in the wake of similar high-profile cases, particularly at Okahandja, where three girls aged five, six and 15 were murdered earlier this year.

Windhoek City Police’s deputy chief of operations, Eliaser Iiyambo, said Garoes’ body was discovered at around 06h30 and showed signs of possible sexual assault.

He urged members of the public to assist with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Police investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.