Women increasingly face violence at home, sacred spaces

Concerns are mounting about women’s safety in their own homes as criminals increasingly target residences. In Rundu's Queens Park, a man (34) was denied bail on Wednesday after allegedly raping a woman (24) following a house break-in.Crime investigations coordinator for the Kavango East Region, Deputy commissioner Bonifatius Kanyetu, confirmed that the suspect broke into the victim's home on Tuesday between 04h00 and 05h00 by using a brick to break down the door.He stole a television, before returning to the victim's room, where he strangled her and warned her not to scream before he raped her, said Kanyetu.The stolen items included the TV, a remote control, a cellphone, a SIM card and a charger. The police have since recovered the stolen property.The Rundu incident follows closely on the heels of other cases under police investigation.Last week, an Oshakati woman (37) was allegedly raped by her boyfriend after refusing his sexual advances. Police in the Oshana region confirmed the suspect's arrest.Meanwhile, in Epako, Gobabis, a woman (36) fought off an attacker who attempted to gouge her eye out during an assault. Despite her resistance, no arrests have yet been made.This trend is a continuation of previous cases, such as the rape and murder of Helena Wimmert (64) in Rehoboth’s Block A earlier this year. Namibian Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said the perpetrator raped Wimmert, cut her throat and ransacked her home before fleeing. A suspect (29) was arrested shortly thereafter.Meanwhile, Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo has revealed alarming crime statistics, with 666 rape cases reported nationwide between 1 January and 30 June this year.The Ohangwena region topped the list with 102 cases, followed by the Oshikoto region with 100 cases, and the Omusati region with 74 cases.The Oshana region recorded 65 cases, the Khomas region reported 60, Otjozondjupa logged 50, and Erongo reported 48 cases. The remaining regions recorded between 13 and 35 cases each.These statistics come amid a rise in violent crimes, including murder and assault.Between 2019 and July 2022, nearly 4 000 rape cases were reported, with the majority of victims being women and girls. In 2021, nearly 700 cases were recorded in eight months. Adding to a national sense of alarm are the rising number of rape cases involving pastors and other church leaders, which have cast doubt on the safety of places of worship.Four months ago, a pastor from the Disciples of Christ Church in Ongwediva was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a girl (15). The alleged rapes occurred on two occasions, once in 2023 and again in March this year.The crimes came to light after the girl's parents noticed her pregnancy and questioned her, leading her to reveal that the pastor was responsible. The suspect, identified as Stefanus Oiva (34), allegedly offered the girl a ride after church services, taking her in a different direction and raping her in his car on both occasions, according to inspector Frieda Shikole of the Oshana community policing sub-division.In March, police in the Omusati region launched an investigation into a Lutheran pastor accused of raping a girl (15) and fathering her child. Another pastor, Elikan Neliwa of Have Mercy Mission Ministries, was arrested for allegedly raping three members of his congregation, aged 17, 19 and 24 – all pupils at a local school.In another case last year, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia dismissed Hendrick Shuudeni from his position as a pastor after he reportedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a young man, whom he promised a job in return for sexual favours. – nikanor@erongo.com.na

Women increasingly face violence at home, sacred spaces

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Women increasingly face violence at home, sacred spaces

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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