A Woman with a mental disability was allegedly raped over the span of a week by multiple men in the Oshana region.
Following a police probe, one of the suspects allegedly took his own life.
The police say the victim (19) reportedly left her home at Uukango village on 6 July to attend church.
Regional crime investigations coordinator deputy commissioner Melanie Mburu says when the woman arrived at church, she allegedly waited outside for other members to arrive.
It is alleged that while waiting, a man spotted her, approached her, and took her to his place at the same village.
There, he allegedly raped her and dropped her off at the village cuca shops.
While at the cuca shops, another man found her wandering aimlessly, took her to his place, raped her and ‘dumped’ her at another area the following day.
She was then picked up by another man who allegedly took her to his house where he lives with two other men.
They allegedly took turns to sexually assault the woman for several days.
The Ohangwena region police, who confirmed the incident, say the woman was discovered wandering around on 13 July.
She was taken to Eenhana State Hospital and her family was informed of her admission.
Following this, the police questioned three young men regarding the rapes.
The body of one of the suspects, Valde Shawapaa from Uukango village, was discovered in his room on 13 July after returning home from the police station for questioning.
“Three people were identified as suspects but have not been arrested, and investigations continue,” the police say.
Meanwhile, a woman (36) with a mental disability in the Omusati region was reportedly raped at the Omiikwadhambeli location at Onesi in the Omusati region.
The suspect, an Angolan national (17), allegedly found the woman walking home at around 02h00 and raped her.
He was arrested and is expected to appear in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Detective chief inspector Kaino Angula, the head of the Ohangwena region’s gender-based violence unit, has confirmed that the victim had been brought in for mental observation to the local hospital’s psychiatric ward, and witnesses provided statements.
“The victim is not a minor and is willing to speak for herself. She’s an adult.
This is just a normal case of rape as a result. We have involved social workers, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare cannot really be expected to handle this matter as the victim is an adult.
She is receiving counselling at the hospital,” he says.
Namibia Mental Health Association secretary general Deon Baisako yesterday condemned the abuse of people with mental disabilities.
“We have people who target women and girls with mental disabilities for money rituals.
They visit witch doctors who advise them to sleep with people with mental disabilities to gain wealth.
This also happens to people with albinism. This is a barbaric practice instead of working hard.
“How will this woman live now? How will the family cope? She was already battling the discrimination and stigma of living with a mental disability, and now this.
The law will just tell us they are investigating, and week’s later, it’s silence, and the cycle continues.
“We only care about statistics. We don’t hear what happened after investigations,” he said.
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.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
