Grootfontein: The British tourist detained at Maroelaboom Police Station over the alleged Tsumkwe West nude photographs of San children at the Grashoek Living Museum in May this year is seeking release on bail of N.dollars 50,000. The 65-year-old Douglas Robert Brooks, has been in custody since May and informed the Grootfontein Magistrate's Court through his lawyer, Thomas Andima, on Monday that he did not intentionally photograph the 33 children who are accusing him of rape, child labour, exploitation, indecent assault, crimen injuria, and trafficking in persons.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Brooks said he should be allowed to secure accommodation at a hotel and provide the address to the investigating officer. He proposed to report daily or three times a week at the nearest police station and pledged not to leave the Grootfontein district without police permission.

Brooks' lawyer, Andima, argued that being naked or partially dressed is a San tradition in Tsumkwe, and that Brooks innocently took such photographs as a tourist for artistic purposes. The State, represented by Prosecutor Kristiana Erastus, objected, stating that out of the 2000 photographs Brooks took, 1500 were of the individuals being nude.

Andima further argued that Brooks should not be discriminated against on the basis of his nationality, as this might discourage tourists who contribute significantly to Namibia's foreign currency earnings. He pointed out that throughout the court proceedings, the State failed to present any of the so-called nude photographs it claims Brooks took in Tsumkwe.

However, Erastus dismissed Andima's arguments, stating that Brooks would abscond as his only home is thousands of kilometres away from Namibia, and therefore should remain in custody until his case is finalised. She highlighted that the San children he photographed are still traumatised and attending counselling sessions, questioning how they would feel if Brooks is out on bail.

In concluding her arguments, Erastus stated that the State, through its two witnesses - a social worker and the investigating officer - had presented sufficient evidence to show it has a strong case against Brooks, who should continue to be kept in custody.

Brooks, who remains detained, entered Namibia on 15 May 2025 en route to the Zambezi Region. Magistrate Boniface Konga on Monday promised to deliver a ruling on the bail application on Friday.