Minors brutally assault another minor

Maria David

CHILD abuse is a serious crime, and those found committing the act will be dealt with according to the law.

This was also condemned by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare, after a video circulated on social media displaying a minor girl with bruises and a swollen face.

A widely circulated video shows a five-year-old girl who was brutally assaulted by her three cousins, aged 6, 8, and 12, at her aunt and uncle’s home.

The incident reportedly happened at the end of July in the Omaheke Region, and the child has been released from the hospital. She is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

Ministry of Gender spokesperson, Lukas Haufiku, said this disturbing event serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to prevent child abuse.

Haufiku said this barbaric act is prohibited by the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015 (Act No. 3 of 2015).

“Although under Namibian law, a child under the age of seven cannot be held liable for a criminal offense, they can be held liable if the case can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said.

He added that the developmental stages and other factors are also considered in this regard.

Furthermore, Haufiku indicated that the Ministry strongly condemns this act of violence and the abuse suffered by the girl at the hands of her own relatives.

He noted that the Ministry is mindful that while the affected parties, including the aunt, victim, and perpetrators, are receiving psychosocial support, it is crucial to bear in mind that the perpetrators are also minors. This underscores the need to assist them in comprehending the consequences of their actions, which they may not have fully understood when they committed the crime.

The Ministry hereby warns the public to refrain from committing similar acts of this nature, as it might lead to serious consequences for the perpetrators.

Haufiku said that if anyone suspects abuse, they should report it to the Childline helpline at 106 or the Namibian Police at 10111 or any Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare office near them.