Rundu: A 29-year-old cattle herder from Ncaute village in the Kavango West Region has been denied bail after being accused of marrying a 14-year-old girl. The girl’s 41-year-old mother, who allegedly approved the unlawful traditional marriage, was granted bail of N.dollars 1,000 when the duo appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the pair appeared before Magistrate Sonia Samupofu, with Variety Matamata representing the State. The Namibian Police Force earlier indicated that the cattle herder allegedly approached the 14-year-old girl’s mother between May and August 2025, asking to marry her daughter through traditional customs. He reportedly promised to support the minor’s education, which led to the mother agreeing to the arrangement and allowing her daughter to live with the suspect.

The cattle herder faces charges of rape and contravening the Combating of Immoral Practices Act involving a minor under the age of 16. The girl’s mother is also charged with rape. Their case has been postponed to 09 December 2025 to allow them to apply for legal aid.