Accra:Police in the northern Namibian regions of Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto have expressed alarm over the high number of rape incidents, with a combined total of 274 cases reported from January to September this year. Disturbingly, more than half of the victims were children.

According to Namibia Press Agency, despite a reduction in cases compared to 2025, the figures remain troubling. Oshana Regional Commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo reported 93 cases this year, down from 130 in the same period last year, marking a 28.5% decrease. Oshikoto and Omusati regions also saw a decline, with 105 and 76 cases reported, respectively.

Statistics from the Oshana Gender-Based Violence, Victim Protection and Prevention Sub-Division show that victims' ages ranged from three to 40 years. Of the 93 victims in Oshana, 48 were children. The police arrested 50 suspects, aged between 14 and 45, with 20 being Namibian and 30 Angolan nationals.

Commissioner Shilelo emphasized the alarming involvement of juveniles as suspects and the prevalence of child victims. This highlights the necessity for increased vigilance, prevention efforts, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

In Oshikoto, Commissioner Ndafudha Iifo noted that nearly all victims were females, with minors and mentally challenged individuals often left in the care of untrustworthy male domestic workers.

Commissioner Ismael Basson of Omusati reported ongoing awareness campaigns and highlighted that the frequency of reported cases reflects both the severity of the issue and improved public trust in the police. He stressed the importance of reporting rape cases to law enforcement rather than handling them through traditional structures.

Basson also addressed cross-border challenges, as some suspects flee to Angola, complicating efforts to apprehend them.

Child psychologist Ndinelago Tauti-Schepper pointed out the profound impact of sexual violence on a child's psychological and social development. The violation of trust and safety can have lasting effects on a child's emotional wellbeing and relationships, depending on various factors such as age and the response to their disclosure of abuse.