Kavango West: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango West Region has reported a decrease in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, with 121 incidents recorded from January to October this year, compared to 145 during the same period last year. Kavango West regional commander Julia Sakuwa-Neo attributed the decline to intensified community awareness campaigns conducted by NamPol and its stakeholders.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the GBV-related cases encompass rape, attempted rape, assault by threat, assault, and violation of protection orders, involving victims aged between four and 70 years. Sakuwa-Neo reported that five cases were withdrawn by complainants, while 111 cases remain under investigation. Five investigations have been concluded, resulting in 92 arrests.
Sakuwa-Neo highlighted that many crimes occur under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with some suspects assaulting grandparents for money or partners due to substance abuse. She noted instances of fathers turning on their daughte
rs and committing rape.
The regional commander also pointed out that NamPol encounters challenges in addressing GBV cases due to prevailing traditional and cultural beliefs. Many cases remain unreported, and some are withdrawn in favor of traditional dispute resolution methods.
Sakuwa-Neo expressed concerns about young girls cohabitating with older men, often resulting in abusive relationships. She noted that parents sometimes overlook such relationships, believing them to be culturally normal, and even marry off underage girls to older men. She warned that this could lead to parental arrests on charges of rape if such men are convicted.
Sakuwa-Neo urged the community and parents to protect women, girls, and boys by reporting GBV cases to enable police and other stakeholders to assist victims.