Rape tops Ohangwena – Informanté

Maria David

IN the Ohangwena Region, rape is currently the most commonly reported form of gender based violence which is allegedly committed against minor children in most cases.

This alone cannot be left in the hands of law enforcement, but collective efforts are needed in addressing the matter and fighting the enemy.

NamPol Ohangwena Regional Commander, Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa, said at least 149 rape cases were reported in the last nine months alone.

Additionally, Kashuupulwa indicated that five attempted murder cases were also reported during the same period that are related to gender based violence.

“The victims are mostly minors under the age of 15 years,” she said.

She added that they also recorded 15 cases consisting of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and assault through threatening incidences were perpetrated against minor victims of which 13 suspects were so far apprehended in the cases.

Further, Kashuupulwa said that 35 rape cases read with domestic violence were recorded and resulted in the arrest of all 35 perpetrators.

She noted that the police managed to arrest suspects in 97 rape cases and 5 in attempted murder respectively. In an attempt to address the issues related to GBV, Kashuupulwa said they will visit schools, traditional leaders and do thorough investigations to apprehend outstanding suspects.

Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.