Okahandja:An 18-year-old man was taken into custody on Saturday after allegedly attempting to abduct and rape a 10-year-old girl in Okahandja.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha from the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Otjozondjupa Regional Head of Community Affairs stated that the incident took place at approximately 16h00. The young girl, accompanied by another minor, was walking from a plot towards the Nau-Aib location when the suspect allegedly approached them, attempting to entice them with a N$10 note.

Mbeha explained that the 10-year-old moved closer to accept the money, at which point the suspect allegedly seized her, brandished a knife, and threatened her with harm if she screamed or called for help. The second girl managed to escape and alerted two nearby security guards.

The guards hurried to the scene and reportedly found the suspect in the act of attempting to sexually assault the victim. When the suspect saw the guards, he fled on foot but was quickly pursued and captured by the guards.

Police arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, discovering both the knife and the N$10 note on him, which were confiscated as evidence. The suspect is set to appear in the Okahandja Magistrate's Court this week once charges are formally filed. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing.