Grootfontein: Teachers and learners of Kalenga Primary School in Grootfontein took to the streets on Friday, accompanied by a significant number of parents dressed in black, to protest against the rape of a Grade 5 learner and broader issues of sexual violence affecting students in the town. The march began in the center of town and culminated in a demonstration at the Omulunga Police Station.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the community members handed a petition to Omulunga Police Station Commander Inspector Elifas Theophilus, demanding increased police patrols around Kalenga Primary School before and after school hours. The petition highlighted the recurring issue of schoolgirls being attacked on their way to or from school, causing widespread trauma within the community.

Undjenu Mendez, a teacher at Kalenga PS, recounted the recent incident involving a 14-year-old Grade 5 learner who was raped on February 19th around 13h00. The attack took place in the bushes behind the schoolyard as the learner was returning home. In response, the community has urged the Namibian Police Force and military personnel to increase their presence in the area to deter such crimes.

The protestors also called upon the Grootfontein Municipality to clear the bushy areas surrounding Kalenga PS, which they believe will help learners identify and avoid suspicious individuals more easily. Despite the tragedy, the community expressed gratitude to the police for swiftly apprehending the suspect involved in the recent case. He was arrested on the same day and has since appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody.

Inspector Theophilus assured the community that their petition would be forwarded to Otjozondjupa Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Philip Hidengwa. Kalenga Primary School, which serves over 1,400 learners, remains at the center of this community's fight against sexual violence.